Radiofrequency catheter ablation associated with 33.8% ERAF incidence within 90-day blanking period in drug-refractory non-valvular AF.

This retrospective cohort study included 157 drug-refractory non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients treated at a single-center setting. The population underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) as the primary intervention. No comparator group was specified in the study design. The follow-up duration was defined as the 90-day blanking period. This design focuses on patients who did not respond to medication. The study population consisted of individuals with drug-refractory conditions.

The primary outcome was ERAF, defined as atrial tachycardia, flutter, or fibrillation lasting ≥30 s. Within the 90-day blanking period, 53 patients experienced ERAF, representing an incidence of 33.8% or 53/157. In the ERAF group, left atrial diameter was larger compared to the non-ERAF group. The mean left atrial diameter was 43.8 ± 5.6 mm versus 39.5 ± 4.3 mm. This difference was statistically significant with p < 0.05.

Safety and tolerability data were not reported in the study. Adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations were not reported. No limitations were explicitly listed in the source text. Funding or conflicts of interest were not reported. Practice relevance was not reported. The observational nature of the retrospective cohort design limits causal inference regarding the association between left atrial diameter and ERAF. Clinicians should note the lack of safety information when considering these results. The study did not provide information on long-term outcomes beyond the blanking period.