Atrial fibrillation ablation success rate has improved over the years. Data regarding success rate with contact force catheter are only available in clinical trials. The aim of our study was to assess the “real-life” success rate of atrial fibrillation ablation at 1 year using the Smarttouch catheter (Biosense Webster).

Patients who underwent first procedure of atrial fibrillation ablation between January 2014 and December 2015 were prospectively enrolled. Patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) underwent pulmonary vein isolation. Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) had pulmonary vein isolation with linear ablation and/or atrial defragmentation to obtain sinus rhythm. Procedure success rate was defined as free from any arrhythmia during the first year of follow-up.

Overall, 246 patients (62.6±11 year, 68% males) were enrolled in our study. One hundred and forty eight patients underwent PAF ablation and 99 patients underwent PeAF ablation. Among the PAF patients, 26 had atrial arrhythmias during follow-up (success rate 82.4%). Among the PeAF patients, 33 had atrial arrhythmias during follow-up (success rate 66,6%). Interestingly, 29.79% of patients with no arrhythmia recurrence were still on antiarrhythmic drugs despite our recommendations to stop them at 3 months after the procedure.

After a single atrial fibrillation ablation with contact force catheter (Smarttouch, Biosense webster), real-life success rate is consistent with clinical trials. Some patients without arrhythmia recurrence were still on antiarrhythmic drugs despite electrophysiologists recommendations.