Patient follow-up
If their clinical status was stable, patients were discharged two days after ablation. After a 3-month blanking period, they attended outpatient clinic visits and underwent 12-lead ECG monitoring at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and 24 h-Holter ECG monitoring every 6 months. Additional Holter monitoring was performed if arrhythmic symptoms occurred.
Repeat ablation was allowed for patients with recurrence of AF but was avoided during the blanking period. Repeat ablation during this period was counted as a recurrence just after the blanking period. Use of anti-arrhythmic drugs during the blanking period was allowed, but discontinuation after the blanking period was strongly recommended.