Long-term outcome after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: safety, efficacy and impact on prognosis.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to expand and evolve. Large registries like the worldwide survey have provided insight into methods, safety and efficacy of catheter ablation for AF in the short term, and how these are changing. Long-term follow-up data are also emerging answering important questions about safety and efficacy over subsequent years. A small number of studies have attempted to examine whether catheter ablation of AF impacts on hard end points such as stroke and death and hence improve prognosis. This article reviews the current literature providing insight into these rapidly changing areas.