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Aims Electro-anatomical mapping may be critical to identify atrial fibrillation (AF) subjects who require substrate modification beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The objective was to determine correlations between pre-ablation mapping characteristics and 12-month outcomes after a single PVI-only catheter ablation of AF. Methods and results This study enrolled paroxysmal AF (PAF), early persistent AF (PsAF; 7 days–3 months), and non-early PsAF (>3–12 months) subjects undergoing de novo PVI-only radiofrequency catheter ablation. Sinus rhythm (SR) and AF voltage maps were created with the Advisor HD Grid™ Mapping Catheter, Sensor Enabled™ for each subject, and the presence of low-voltage area (LVA) (low-voltage cutoffs: 0.1–1.5 mV) was investigated. Follow-up visits were at 3, 6, and 12 months, with a 24-h Holter monitor at 12 months. A Cox proportional hazards model identified associations between mapping data and 12-month recurrence after a single PVI procedure. The study enrolled 300 subjects (113 PAF, 86 early PsAF, and 101 non-early PsAF) at 18 centres. At 12 months, 75.5% of subjects were free from AF/atrial flutter (AFL)/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence. Univariate analysis found that arrhythmia recurrence did not correlate with AF diagnosis, but LVA was significantly correlated. Low-voltage area (<0.5 mV) >28% of the left atrium in SR [hazard ratio (HR): 4.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.08–11.18; P = 0.0003] and >72% in AF (HR: 5.66, 95% CI: 2.34–13.69; P = 0.0001) was associated with a higher risk of AF/AFL/AT recurrence at 12 months. Conclusion Larger extension of LVA was associated with an increased risk of arrhythmia recurrence. These subjects may benefit from substrate modification beyond PVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case details the successful implantation of a leadless pacemaker following the extraction of transvenous leads in a 72-year-old female patient with a complex cardiovascular history. The patient had undergone a series of cardiac interventions, including a recent percutaneous tricuspid valve repair with a metal clip implant due to severe regurgitation. After presenting with an infection at the pacemaker site, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus hominis was identified, necessitating the removal of the entire pacing system. A leadless pacemaker was subsequently implanted without complications, despite the recent tricuspid valve repair. This case highlights the efficacy and safety of leadless pacemakers in complex clinical scenarios, especially when traditional transvenous systems are no longer viable due to infections or other complications. The report underscores the importance of personalized management strategies for cardiac device infections, illustrating that leadless pacemakers offer a feasible and safe alternative even in patients with previous valvular interventions. SUMMARY: The increasing rate of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) implantations and of CIED-related complications highlight the importance of transvenous lead extraction (TLE). TLE scenario is constantly evolving and it is a key procedure in lead management strategies. Leadless pacemaker (LP) implant is an effective and safe procedure in patients still requiring a ventricular pacing after TLE, with similar electrical performance and outcome compared with naïve patients at long-term follow-up. LPs represent an innovative and feasible option even in specific situations such as after transcatheter tricuspid valve repair., (© 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)