Condensed Abstract
It is unknown if more extensive initial ablation results in improved
outcomes following multiple ablation procedures. We analyzed consecutive
patients with non-paroxysmal AF who underwent first-time ablation using
stepwise (n=111) or left atrial posterior wall isolation (PWI, n=111)
approach. Over 36 months follow-up, compared to a stepwise approach, a
PWI approach resulted in similar recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia
>30s, but less persistent arrhythmia recurrence, fewer
repeat ablations, and fewer recurrences after repeat ablation.