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.