Investigation of Specific Biomarkers in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Who Undergo Interventional Treatment

Investigation of Specific Biomarkers in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Who Undergo Interventional Treatment

The two main mechanisms for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after cryoablation include Pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection and the presence of non-PV associated arrhythmic focuses. The aim of this study is to reveal the specific biomarkers by antibody microarrays.

One hundred twenty patients with atrial fibrillation will participate in the study.

They will be divided into three groups.

1. Patients with AF recurrence after the first procedure but with isolated pulmonary veins at the beginning of the second AF ablation b)patients with AF recurrence after repeat PV ablation.
2. Patients with PV-associated atrial fibrillation. The group will be included patients with freedom of atrial fibrillation after PV isolation (first or repeat procedure).
3. Healthy volunteers

Groups would be formed from patients who previously underwent atrial fibrillation ablations and whose blood samples have been taken and placed in a biobank before interventional treatment. The first step will include proteomic serum profiling using antibody microarrays in ten subjects will be split into 3 groups. The second step will include validation of selected protein biomarkers, in the total cohort (N=120).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient with paroxysmal/persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent interventional treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• permanent AF
• contraindications to oral anticoagulation or heparin
• chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis
• untreated hypo- or hyperthyroidism
• breast feeding
• pregnancy
• chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis
• decompensated heart failure
• stroke within the last 3 months
• myocardial infarction within the last 3 months
• Percutaneous coronary intervention or Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting within the last 3 months
• active myocarditis
• artificial valve replacement surgery
• severe mitral or aortic stenosis
• coronary artery disease requiring revascularization
• heart transplant