Follow‐up
Following ablation, all patients were either monitored in the
Post-anesthesia Care Unit for 4h or admitted to the hospital for
overnight observation. Routine follow-up (history, exam, and
electrocardiography) was performed at the outpatient clinic or by a
local cardiologist at 3, 6, and 12 months, and additionally, if prompted
by symptoms. Mean follow-up duration was 12 months. During the
post-blanking follow-up period, Holter or event monitors were arranged
for patients who developed symptoms suggestive of AF. When available,
pacemaker interrogation records and mobile technology rhythm devices
(Apple Watch; Kardia) were also used for arrhythmia recurrence
monitoring. Antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy, if present at the time of
ablation, was discontinued prior to the 3‐month follow‐up visit.
Arrhythmia recurrence was defined on the basis of the 2017 Heart Rhythm
Society consensus document as any AF/atrial tachycardia/atrial flutter
sustained for more than 30 seconds recorded by a surface ECG or rhythm
monitoring device after a 90‐day blanking period. One‐year outcomes were
assessed in all patients, either at clinic follow‐up, electronic health
record review, or phone interview.