2024 EHRA/HRS/APHRS/LAHRS Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

April 8, 2024—The 2024 EHRA/HRS/APHRS/LAHRS Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation provides updated, practical guidance on the use of catheter and surgical ablation for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide.

Ablation is a highly effective strategy for maintaining sinus rhythm, reducing symptoms, and delaying progression of AF. This document reflects significant advances since the 2017 consensus statement,

including expanded indications for first-line ablation in symptomatic patients, improved procedural safety, and the introduction of new technologies such as pulsed field ablation.

The consensus statement provides recommendations across key areas of care, including:

• Patient selection and indications for ablation
• Pre-procedural evaluation and imaging
• Procedural approaches for catheter and surgical ablation
• Post-procedural management, including anticoagulation and rhythm monitoring

The document also addresses the role of ablation in specific patient populations, including those with heart failure, and highlights strategies to reduce complications and improve outcomes. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modification and shared decision-making as part of a comprehensive approach to AF management.