Post-ablation care and follow‐up
Pericardial effusion was ruled out by transthoracic echocardiography on
the day of the procedure and 24-hours later. Twelve‐lead
electrocardiogram, 24‐hour Holter and echocardiography were regularly
performed 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after discharge and every 6 months
thereafter, with additional visits when patients described palpitations.
Arrhythmia recurrence was defined as any atrial arrhythmia (AF or atrial
tachycardia including cavotricuspid right atrial flutter) after a
3-month blanking period from the index procedure.2 A
repeated procedure was offered in all patients with arrhythmia
recurrence. All patients were followed up for at least 18 months after
the first procedure.