What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the benefits of electrical cardioversion in the early and long-term period after radiofrequency catheter isolation of pulmonary veins in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. The study seeks to understand whether electrical cardioversion before catheter ablation can lead to reverse remodeling of the left atrium or reduce fibrosis progression, and if it can predict freedom from atrial fibrillation in these patients. Participants will be divided into two groups: those who undergo electrical cardioversion before catheter ablation and those who do not. The experimental group is further divided based on whether sinus rhythm was successfully restored during cardioversion. The study involves assessments including transthoracic echocardiography to measure left atrium size and volume, electroanatomic mapping to identify fibrosis zones, and 24-hour ECG monitoring to track cardiac arrhythmias. Follow-up examinations occur at 3, 6, and 12 months post-ablation. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor participants using echocardiography, ECG, and 24-hour ECG monitoring to evaluate the preservation of sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation recurrence rates. The primary outcome is freedom from atrial fibrillation six months after catheter ablation, assessed by echocardiographic parameters and ECG monitoring. Participants will be observed at multiple time points, and data will be collected to analyze atrial remodeling and rhythm maintenance.

Electrical Cardioversion As a Predictor in Postoperative Preservation of Sinus Rhythm