Additional Left Atrial Appendage Isolation During Balloon Ablation for Persistent or Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Overview

Additional left atrial appendage isolation during balloon ablation for persistent or long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation can reduce atrial fibrillation reoccurrence within 3-12 months compared to balloon-based pulmonary vein isolation only.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Persistent or long-standing persistent AF (i.e. continuous AF that was/is sustained >7 days or >12 months, respectively)
2. Age ≥18 and ≤80 years
3. Indication for AF ablation as per current guidelines

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Missing informed consent
2. LAA diameter >25mm 10mm distant from circumflex artery assessed by TEE
3. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
4. Long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation with a continuous AF duration of >4 years
5. Previous pulmonary vein isolation or MAZE surgery
6. Previous led atrial appendage closure or surgical excision
7. Left atrial diameter >60 mm at baseline
8. Left atrial thrombus at baseline