Postprocedural care in patients undergoing catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation

The high prevalence of atrial fibrillation has contributed to an increasing number of patients in need of treatment. International guidelines recognize the importance of a catheter-based approach for the curative treatment of atrial fibrillation and recommend its use in patients who have failed antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Physicians involved in the postprocedural care of these patients need to be familiar with common postoperative complications, proper use of antiarrhythmic agents and anticoagulation schemes, as well as, appropriate timing of reintervention.