Practical tip: The following represents an ideal, but not exclusive, profile of a patient who is referred for consideration of AF ablation today: age less than 80, patients who are symptomatic with their AF, patients who have tried but failed or are intolerant of antiarrhythmic drug therapy, paroxysmal AF or short-standing persistent AF, and minimal to moderate structural heart disease (such as LV dysfunction or valvular disease).

Practical tip: AF ablation should not be considered as an alternative to oral anticoagulation. If a patient has a high thromboembolic risk profile, then the patient should continue oral anticoagulation even after successful AF ablation. Studies of long-term monitoring have consistently shown asymptomatic episodes of AF both prior to and following ablation. Initiation of oral anticoagulation should also not be delayed when indicated in patients pending referral for AF ablation.