2012 HRS/EHRA/ECAS Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Recommendations for Patient Selection, Procedural Techniques, Patient Management and Follow-up, Definitions, Endpoints, and Research Trial Design

This document has been retired and replaced by 2017 HRS/EHRA/ECAS/APHRS/SOLAECE Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

March 5, 2012 – The purpose of this expert consensus statement is to provide a state-of-the-art review of the field of catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. It reports on the findings of a Task Force, convened by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), and the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS) and charged with defining the indications, techniques, and outcomes of this procedure.

This document contains recommendations pertinent to the design of clinical trials in the field of atrial fibrillation (AFib) ablation, including definitions relevant to this topic. The statement summarizes the opinion of the Task Force members based on an extensive literature review and their own experience in treating patients. All health care professionals involved in the care of patients with AFib will benefit from this publication, particularly those with patients who are undergoing, or are being considered for, catheter or surgical ablation procedures for AFib. This statement is not intended to recommend or promote catheter ablation of AFib. The ultimate judgment regarding care of a particular patient must be made by the health care provider and patient in light of all the circumstances presented by that patient.