Fig. 1.

CONSORT diagram. In the Hybrid Arm, detected exclusion criteria after randomisation included pre- or intraoperative findings revealed low ejection fraction of 23% (n = 1), a phrenic nerve paresis (n = 1), a left atrial diameter > 6 cm (n = 1), a serial rib fraction with adhesions (n = 1), development of a body mass index > 35 (n = 1), and the need or potential need for open cardiac surgery (n = 3). One patient expressed unwillingness/disability to comply with the follow-up protocol. AAD: anti-arrhythmic drug; AE: adverse event; ECG: electrocardiogram; EP: electrophysiology; ITT: intention-to-treat; LAA: left atrial appendage; mITT: modified intention-to-treat; OAC: oral anticoagulation; PV: pulmonary vein; SAE: serious adverse event; TEE: transesophageal echocardiogram; tx: treatment.