The Revenge of the P Wave
- Thomas Kutner,
- Peter Kowey
Abstract
In this review of "P-wave alternans rebound following pulmonary vein
isolation predicts atrial arrhythmia recurrence," we examine a study
performed by Nearing et al in the use of P-wave morphology, as a
predictor of A-Fib recurrence. Patients who underwent pulmonary vein
isolation, had pre and post-procedural ecgs performed specifically to
monitor P-waves. With the help of artificial intelligence, objective and
reproducible findings established the presence of P-wave alternans. This
novel technique uses our most ubiquitous test in medicine, as a means to
help hone our ability to stratify patient's risk for recurrence of their
arrhythmia. And, hopefully, give clinicians a means to individualize the
approach to monitor and offer prophylactic treatment to ablation
patients, garnering a success level once thought unachievable.