Abstract 16472: Large Area of Complex-Fractionated Atrial Electrograms Disrupt Identification of Rotors and Focal Sources for Atrial Fibrillation After Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Background: The mapping of the electrical propagation to identify the underlying mechanisms that perpetuate atrial fibrillation (AF) is difficult because of Complex-fractionated Atrial Electrograms (CFAE). We hypothesized that the organization of AF would facilitate the identification of rotors or focal sources (AF sources) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods: We prospectively enrolled 87 patients undergoing an ablation for persistent AF. SR was restored for at least 2 weeks prior to ablation. If SR could not be maintained, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and linear ablation were performed. Radiofrequency ablation was performed during induced AF. If AF was sustained or induced after the PVI, activation maps to identify AF sources (Rotor map) were created by a 64-pole basket catheter, 20-pole circular mapping catheter and CS catheter with the use of the Velocity system. A rotor was defined as follow: reproducible reentrant atrial activity which was repeatedly present for more than 40% of the 3.8 s...