Table 1.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study.

Inclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria

•Males or females from 18 to 85 yrs. old •Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation •Off amiodarone for at least 60 days •Suitable candidate for catheter ablation •No previous left atrial ablation •Signed informed consent

•Contraindication to catheter ablation •Contraindication for general anaesthetic •Presence of cardiac thrombus •Previous left atrial ablation •Valvular disease that is grade moderate or greater •Any form of cardiomyopathy •Severe cerebrovascular disease •Active gastrointestinal bleeding •Serum Creatinine >200umol/L or on dialysis or at risk of requiring dialysis •Active infection or fever •Life expectancy shorter than the duration of the trial •Allergy to contrast •Moderate to severe heart failure and/or NYHA Class III-IV •Bleeding or clotting disorders or inability to receive heparin •Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c ≥73 mmol/mol or HbA1c ≤64 mmol/mol and Fasting Blood Glucose ≥9.2 mmol/L) •Malignancy needing therapy •Pregnancy or women of childbearing potential not using a highly effective method of contraception •Unable to give informed consent or has insufficient comprehension

(NYHA = New York Heart Association).