Catheter Ablation of Drug-refractory Persistent Atrial Fibrillation With the HeartLight(TM) Laser Balloon in Comparison With Irrigated Radiofrequency Current Ablation

Catheter Ablation of Drug-refractory Persistent Atrial Fibrillation With the HeartLight(TM) Laser Balloon in Comparison With Irrigated Radiofrequency Current Ablation

Aim of the study is to compare the safety and efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation using the endoscopic ablation system in comparison to irrigated radiofrequency current ablation in patients with drug-refractory persistent atrial fibrillation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 80 years
• persistent atrial fibrillation
• failure of at least one antiarrhythmic drug
• others

Exclusion Criteria:

• contraindications for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)
• previous PVI attempts
• inability to be treated with oral anticoagulation
• presence of intracardiac thrombi
• pregnancy
• others