Machine Learning in Atrial Fibrillation

This project tests the novel hypothesis that "Machine learning (ML) in AF patients can integrate physiological data across biological scales stratified by labeled outcomes, and use explainability analyses to identify electrical, structural and clinical determinants of ablation outcome in individual patients to guide personalized therapy". We address this hypothesis using a combined computational/clinical approach. The project will recruit 120 patients to address 3 Specific Aims.

Aim 1. To identify components of AF electrograms that indicate depolarization, repolarization or other mechanisms at the tissue level, using ML trained to monophasic action potentials (MAP). For this prospective protocol, we will collect electrograms using a MAP catheter at multiple atrial sites in patients undergoing AF ablation. We will then test if our algorithms developed previously from our registry, can predict MAP timings from AF electrograms.

Aim 2. To identify electrical and structural features of the acute response of AF to ablation near and remote from PVs at the individual heart level using machine learning and biostatistical approaches. For this prospective protocol, we will recruit patients undergoing their standard-of-care ablation and test if an ML classifier developed previously in a registry dataset prospectively predicts acute response to specific ablation strategies.

Aim 3. To identify patients in whom ablation is unsuccessful or successful long-term using ML and biostatistics. For this prospective protocol, we will recruit patients undergoing their standard-of-care ablation and test if an ML classifier developed previously in a registry dataset prospectively predicts 1 year freedom from atrial arrhythmias.

This project is significant because it will establish a deeper understanding of AF and might reveal novel mechanisms of AF maintenance. Our results can be translated directly to practice and may enable the development of better treatment options.

Inclusion criteria

• undergoing ablation at Stanford of (a) paroxysmal AF (self-terminates < 7 days), or (b) persistent AF (requires cardioversion to terminate).
• Per our clinical practice and guidelines (Calkins et al, Heart Rhythm 2012), patients will have failed or be intolerant of ≥ 1 anti-arrhythmic drug.

Exclusion criteria

• active coronary ischemia or decompensated heart failure
• atrial or ventricular clot on trans-esophageal echocardiography
• pregnancy (to minimize fluoroscopic exposure)
• inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent
• rheumatic valve disease (results in a unique AF phenotype)
• thrombotic disease or venous filters