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.