This is a multi-center, 2-arm, assessor and statistician blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial, to evaluate the effect of catgut embedding in acupoints of Neiguan and Zusanli in reducing early recurrence and improving long-term prognosis in patients with persistent AF after CA..

This multi-center, 2-arm, assessor and statistician blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial will be conducted at two centers in China: Shanghai Chest Hospital; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of traditional Chinese Medicine. Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation are 1:1 randomized into group A (amiodarone hydrochloride tablet + acupoint catgut embedding), group B (amiodarone hydrochloride tablet). ECG, inflammatory cytokines,AFEQT scale and other indicators are analyzed the effect of catgut embedding in acupoints of Neiguan and Zusanli in reducing early recurrence and improving long-term prognosis in patients with persistent AF after CA.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1. Age between 18 and 80 years old; 2. Persistent AF（lasting no more than 3 years）after catheter ablation; 3. No acupuncture treatment within the previous 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1. A history of allergy to acupuncture or amiodarone; 2. Severe heart failure (New York Heart Association（NYHA）class III or IV); 3. Echocardiographic parameters: left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%, left atrium diameter > 5.0cm; 4. Severe lung, liver, kidney disease or other serious primary diseases; 5. Skin allergy to ECG monitoring electrode patch. 6. The estimated life expectancy of < 1 year.