Statistical analysis
Categorical variables are described as number (percentage) and were
compared with the χ2 or the Fisher’s exact tests, as
appropriate. Continuous variables are described as mean ± SD for
variables with normal distributions or as median [interquartile
range] for variables not normally distributed. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov
test was used to assess normality in continuous variables. Comparisons
among normal continuous variables were made using Student’s t tests
(normal variables) or Mann-Whitney U tests (for variables not normally
distributed). Bilateral p values <0.05 were considered
statistically significant. For survival analysis (recurrence of atrial
arrhythmias), the Kaplan-Meier method was used. Statistical analysis was
performed using SPSS Statistics Base version 22.0 package (IBM Inc.,
Armonk, NY).