Does radiofrequency catheter ablation alter the perception of atrial fibrillation in patients with highly symptomatic AF?
Symptom-based follow-up after AF ablation overestimates success rates due to an increase in asymptomatic episodes, necessitating objective long-term monitoring.
Even in patients presenting with highly symptomatic AF, asymptomatic episodes may occur and significantly increase after catheter ablation. A symptom-only-based follow-up would substantially overestimate the success rate. Objective measures such as long-term Holter monitoring are needed to identify asymptomatic AF recurrences after ablation.
Hindricks et al. (2005) studied this question.