What is the primary endpoint for AF ablation?

The primary endpoint for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is often considered the non-inducibility of AF. This means that after the procedure, the aim is for the patient to not be able to provoke or induce AF through programmed electrical stimulation. Achieving non-inducibility is a critical measure of the procedure’s effectiveness in eliminating the arrhythmia.

This endpoint indicates that the structural or electrical conditions in the heart that allow AF to occur have been successfully modified or resolved through the ablation procedure. It provides a definitive assessment of the success of the intervention in the context of the pathophysiology of AF.

While reduction of symptoms, improved quality of life, and lower heart rate are significant outcomes associated with AF ablation, they are often considered secondary or supportive metrics rather than primary endpoints. These measures can reflect the overall success of the procedure in a patient's daily life but do not specifically address whether the arrhythmia itself can be induced, which is why non-inducibility is prioritized as the main goal of AF ablation.