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.