Temporal Changes in Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Left Atrial Substrate After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Implications for Procedural Success.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ganglionated plexi (GPs) within epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) are involved in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF), yet the effects of catheter ablation on EAT volume and GP activity remain unclear.

Methods

A prospective 2-part study was conducted. Study 1 included 120 patients undergoing initial AF ablation, with pre- and 1-year postablation computed tomography used to assess changes in EAT and left atrial wall characteristics. Body composition, biomarkers, and echocardiographic variables were also evaluated. Study 2 included 20 patients undergoing redo ablation for recurrent AF, in whom vagal responses elicited by high-frequency stimulation in 5 major left atrial GP areas were compared.

Results

In study 1, significant reductions in

SUBMITTER: Watanabe R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12533649 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature