Does catheter ablation restore and maintain sinus rhythm in patients with long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation?
Catheter ablation with acute AF termination is highly effective for maintaining sinus rhythm in long-lasting persistent AF, though recurrences are typically atrial tachycardia.
Catheter ablation of long-lasting persistent AF associated with acute AF termination achieves medium to long-term restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm in 95% of patients. Arrhythmia recurrence in the majority of patients is AT.
Haı̈ssaguerre et al. (2005) studied this question.