Visualization of research hotspots and trends in the postoperative blanking period of atrial fibrillation

Zhao Xuejie; Shen Mengshuang; Wang Shuangyu; Lin Mei

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-4055.2025.06.04

Abstract：Objective To systematically sort out and analyze the relevant studies on the post-ablation blanking phase of atrial fibrillation,and to provide references for future studies by summarizing the research status and hot trends in this field.Methods Bibliometric methods were used to search the Web of Science(WOS)Core Collection database for relevant English-language literature from its inception to December 31,2023,and the included literature was visualized and analyzed using CiteSpace software.Results The Web of Science Core Collection database retrieved 836 articles of related literature,and 305 articles were finally included for visualization and analysis.The number of English-language literature about AF patients in the postoperative blanking phase showed an increasing trend;the country with the largest number of publications was China,but publications from Europe and the United States were more influential in the international arena;the analysis of keywords revealed the current research hotspots and trends:the mechanism of early recurrence,the predictive factors,the clinical significance,the linkage with postoperative recurrence or late recurrence,and the therapeutic management of the blanking phase stage after AF ablation,follow-up and management.Conclusion The post-ablation blanking phase of atrial fibrillation has received increasing attention from researchers,and further high-quality,large-scale empirical studies should be conducted in the future to tap into new technologies and big data,and to develop scientific and standardized preventive measures for early recurrence as well as enhanced management strategies for patients in the postoperative period based on evidence.