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.