Sex-Based Differences of LA: Impact on AF Ablation.

Sex-Based Differences of Left Atrium: Impact on Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

The aim of the study is to assess sex-related differences in patients who underwent a first ablation procedure for paroxysmal or persistent AF, guided by the personalized ablation strategy of the BY-LAWT protocol. Specifically, to compare anatomical characteristics, procedural parameters, and clinical outcomes between sexes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who underwent a first ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal or persistent).
• Availability of an adequate pre-procedural cardiac CT scan for LAWT, LAV and inFAT analysis.
• Availability of complete procedural data, including ablation index (AI) values recorded using the SmartTouch catheter (Biosense Webster).
• Availability of 12-month follow-up data for efficacy and safety endpoint evaluation.
• Ablation performed according to the by-LAWT protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years.
• Previous cardiac ablation (including AF ablation or other arrhythmias).
• Incomplete data regarding procedural parameters, or follow-up.
• Poor quality pre-procedural cardiac MDCT
• Ablation not performed according to the BY-LAWT protocol.
• Structural heart disease (e.g., dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease with surgical indication) that could substantially influence atrial dimensions or ablation response.