The impact of operator experience on the recurrence rate for atrial fibrillation patients after radiofrequency ablation

Abstract

Objective: To explore the impact of differences in operator experience on recurrence rates after radiofrequency ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methodology: A total of 302 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation of AF for the first time in Mianyang 404 Hospital from January 2019 to May 2023 were Retrospective study. They were divided into the mature operator group(study group) and the average operator group(control group). A total of 81 cases of paroxysmal AF and 88 cases of persistent AF were counted in the study group; 70 cases of paroxysmal AF and 63 cases of persistent AF were counted in the control group.

Results: The cumulative ablation time and radiofrequency energy of the surgery in patients with persistent AF were less in the study group than in the control group (P<0.01). The comparison of the sinus heart rate maintenance rate at six months after the surgery in the two groups for paroxysmal AF (P>0.05) and persistent AF (P<0.05). The comparison of the sinus heart rate maintenance rate after one year of the surgery for paroxysmal AF (P<0.05) and persistent AF (P<0.05). The comparison of cumulative complications in all patients was 2.64% vs 9.27% (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The level of operator experience positively correlated with the success rate of radiofrequency for AF, with fewer surgical complications in mature operators.