Follow-up
Scheduled follow-up visits, including a physical examination, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood examinations, were performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after ablation. Daily pulse self-checks or ambulatory ECG monitoring was mandatory, and an extra-visit ECG was required in the case of abnormal pulse detection. In addition, 24-h Holter recordings were performed at 6, 12, and 24 months after the procedure. AF recurrence was defined as any documented episode of AF lasting at least 30 seconds.