Follow-up after catheter ablation
Current guideline suggests all patients who undergo catheter ablation for AF should be followed up at a minimum of 3 months following the ablation procedure, and then every 6 months for at least 2 years. A personal visit with 12-lead ECG and more intense monitoring is also recommended. However, the strategy of follow-up during or after COVID-19 pandemic is prone to change.56For examples, in-person clinic visit is recommended to be avoided, and instead, tele-health/virtual visits could be adopted to minimize unnecessary exposure.57The inspections of incision site after device implantation or catheter ablation can be managed via tele-health utilizing a video conference or mobile photography. Instead of conventional monitoring device such as 24-hour Holter Monitoring, remote monitor of heart rhythm via mobile device is suggested to decrease on-site visits.