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.