Long-term follow-up
All patients were followed up for at least 12 months. We saw all
patients at every 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months, and every 6 months
thereafter. Anticoagulation drugs were also used for at least 3 months
and were continued based on the patients’ risk for thrombus embolisms
determined using the CHADS2 or
CHA2DS2-VASc score.12Each doctor decided whether or not to use AADs. The 12-lead
electrocardiogram (ECG) and clinical assessments were performed at each
visit. Further, 24h-Holter monitoring was performed at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and
6 months after the initial ablation and every 6 months thereafter. The
study patients were asked to record all episodes of any symptoms
suggestive of arrhythmias such as palpitations, dizziness, or shortness
of breath and report that to us as soon as possible. In such cases, an
immediate ECG and 24 h Holter monitoring at the nearest clinic during
the symptomatic period were suggested. Recurrence was defined as atrial
arrhythmia episodes including AF, atrial flutter, and other atrial
tachycardias lasting more than 30s after the first 3-month blanking
period.