Table 1.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

(1) Symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF (paroxysmal: ≥2 symptomatic or one documented AF episode lasting 30 s or more in the last 3 months; persistent: ≥1 documented episode in the last 3 months)

(2) Eligible for heart transplantation due to end‐stage heart failure

(3) LV dysfunction with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% (measured in the last 6 weeks prior to enrolment)

(4) NYHA class ≥II

(5) Indication for ICD therapy due to primary prevention

(6) Dual‐chamber ICD with home monitoring capabilities already implanted

(7) The patient is willing and able to comply with the protocol and has provided written informed consent

(8) Sufficient GPRS network coverage in the patient's area

(9) Age ≥18 years

Exclusion criteria

(1) Documented left atrial diameter >6 cm (parasternal long‐axis view)

(2) Contraindication for chronic anticoagulation therapy or heparin

(3) Previous left heart ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation

(4) Acute coronary syndrome, cardiac surgery, angioplasty, or cerebrovascular accident within 2 months prior to enrolment

(5) Untreated hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

(6) Enrolment in another investigational drug or device study

(7) Woman currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or not using reliable contraceptive measures during fertility age

(8) Mental or physical inability to participate in the study

(9) Listed as ‘high urgent’ for heart transplantation

(10) Cardiac assist device implanted

(11) Planned cardiovascular intervention

(12) Life expectancy ≤12 months

(13) Uncontrolled hypertension

(14) Requirement for dialysis due to end‐stage renal failure

AF, atrial fibrillation; GPRS, General Packet Radio Service; ICD, implantable cardioverter defibrillator; LV, left ventricular; NYHA, New York Heart Association.