3.6. Post-procedure follow-up
Patients were discharged two days after ablation if their clinical status was stable. Following a blanking period of 3 months, they completed outpatient clinic visits and 12-lead ECG monitoring at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and 24 h-Holter ECG monitoring every 6 months. Additional Holter monitoring was performed if arrhythmic symptoms occurred. Either of the following events following the initial 3 months after ablation (blanking period) was considered to indicate AF recurrence: (1) atrial tachyarrhythmias recorded on routine or symptom-triggered ECG during an outpatient visit; or (2) atrial tachyarrhythmias of at least a 30 seconds’ duration on ambulatory ECG monitoring. All antiarrhythmic drugs were discontinued 3 months after the procedure, unless AF recurrence was diagnosed.