title: Long-term ECG monitoring using an implantable loop recorder for the detection of atrial fibrillation after cavotricuspid isthmus ablation in patients with atrial flutter.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In patients with atrial flutter who undergo cavotricuspid isthmus ablation, long-term electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring may identify new onset of atrial fibrillation (AF).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To ascertain, through the use of an implantable loop recorder (ILR) with a dedicated AF detection algorithm, the incidence, duration, and burden of new AF in these patients and to develop an optimal postablation ECG monitoring strategy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We enrolled 20 patients with flutter, a CHADS2 score of 2-3, and no prior episode of AF. After cavotricuspid isthmus ablation, we implanted an ILR, which was interrogated routinely; all stored ECGs were adjudicated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During a mean follow-up of 382 ± 218 days, 3 patterns were observed. First, in 11 (55%) patients, stored ECGs confirmed AF at 62 ± 38 days after ablation. Second, in 4 (20%) patients, although the ILR suggested AF, episodes actually represented sinus rhythm with frequent premature atrial contractions and/or oversensing. Third, in 5 (25%) patients, no AF was observed. Episodes <4 hours were associated with low AF burden (<1%) or false detections. The 1-year freedom from any episode of AF >4 and >12 hours was 52% and 83%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data show that many (but not all) patients develop new AF within the first 4 months of flutter ablation. Since external ECG monitoring for this duration is impractical, the ILR has an important role for long-term AF surveillance. Future research should be directed toward identifying the relationship between duration/burden of AF and stroke and improving existing ILR technology.
authors.affiliation: Arrhythmia Institute, Valley Health System, The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, New Jersey; Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York,. Electronic address: mittsu@valleyhealth.com.
authors.forename: Suneet
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mittal
authors.forename: Evgeny
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pokushalov
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Romanov
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferrara
authors.forename: Aysha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arshad
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Musat
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Preminger
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sichrovsky
authors.forename: Jonathan S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Steinberg
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011379:Prognosis; D013997:Time Factors; D014261:Tricuspid Valve / Q000503:physiopathology; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: AF; Atrial fibrillation; Atrial flutter; CTI; Catheter ablation; Cavotricuspid isthmus; ECG; ILR; Implantable loop recorder; PPV; atrial fibrillation; cavotricuspid isthmus; electrocardiographic; implantable loop recorder; positive predictive value