Markers of Myocardial Damage, Tissue Healing, and Inflammation After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias

Abstract

Markers of inflammation, wound healing, and myocardial damage are increased in patients who undergo radiofrequency ablation. Levels of MMP-9, a marker for myocardial healing and repair, are still elevated 120 days after the procedure, suggesting that radiofrequency ablation induces tissue damage leading to a long-term process of reparation.