Very late relapse of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation: incidence and results of repeat ablation.

Background: There are few data about the incidence of very late (>12 months) arrhythmia relapse after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and about the success rate of repeat ablation procedures in this population.

Methods: All patients treated with PVI for paroxysmal AF were screened in the institution's electrophysiology database. Follow-up data at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter including repetitive (7 days or 1 day) Holter electrocardiograms were assessed as well as the technique and success rate of repeat ablations.