Short-term versus long-term outcomes after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: impact on clinical practice.

A review of recent articles dealing with long-term outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation has confirmed the success rates obtained in the short period. Repetition of the ablation procedure was necessary often in a high percentage of patients. Repeat ablation as well as continued vigilance for atrial fibrillation recurrence must be considered by clinicians when discussing the pros and cons of the ablation procedure with patients.