Perspective:

The following are 10 points to remember from this extensive consensus statement dealing with ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF):

1. The only Class I indication for catheter ablation (CA) of AF is symptomatic paroxysmal AF refractory to ≥1 rhythm-control medication.

2. Symptomatic persistent AF refractory to ≥1 rhythm-control medication is a Class IIa indication for CA.

3. Symptomatic longstanding persistent AF refractory to ≥1 rhythm-control medication is a Class IIb indication for CA.

4. Symptomatic paroxysmal AF prior to drug therapy is a Class IIa indication for CA.

5. Symptomatic persistent and longstanding persistent AF are Class IIb indications for CA.

6. Symptomatic paroxysmal, persistent, and longstanding persistent AF are Class IIa indications for concomitant surgical ablation (SA) in patients undergoing surgery for another indication.

7. Symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent AF prior to drug therapy are Class IIa indications for concomitant SA.

8. Longstanding persistent AF prior to drug therapy is a Class IIb indication for concomitant SA.

9. All types of symptomatic AF refractory to drug therapy are Class IIb indications for stand-alone SA, regardless of whether or not CA was previously attempted.

10. Stand-alone SA is not recommended for paroxysmal, persistent, or longstanding persistent AF prior to drug therapy.