Heart rhythm breakthrough? new ablation method targets stubborn AF

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Older than 18 years. 2. Diagnosed as persistent atrial fibrillation (AF); Definition: At least one episode of persistent AF was recorded on dynamic electrocardiogram (ECG) data within 12 months prior to enrollment, or other clinical evidence supporting persistent AF episodes lasting more than 7 days. 3. Subjects are able to understand the purpose of the study, voluntarily participate in the study and sign the informed consent, and are willing to complete the follow-up according to the requirements of the program. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Atrial fibrillation is secondary to thyroid disease or other reversible factors. 2. Evidence of left atrial or left atrial appendage thrombus on imaging examination. 3. Rheumatic heart disease or the presence of moderate to severe mitral stenosis or regurgitation. 4. Left ventricular ejection fraction \<40% or New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV. 5. Left atrial anteroposterior diameter \>55 mm. 6. Unstable angina. 7. Myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 3 months prior to enrollment. 8. Previous catheter ablation or surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation. 9. History of prior left atrial appendage closure, patent foramen ovale closure, atrial septal defect closure, or repair surgery. 10. Implantation of a mechanical mitral valve prosthesis or metallic annuloplasty rings. 11. Presence of intracardiac thrombus, space-occupying lesions, or other abnormalities that preclude vascular access or catheter manipulation. 12. Contraindications to anticoagulation or history of coagulation disorders/abnormal bleeding. 13. Active systemic infection. 14. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<30 mL/min/1.73 m² or history of renal dialysis. 15. Severe hepatic dysfunction. 16. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. 17. Life expectancy \<12 months (e.g., advanced malignancy). 18. Current or anticipated participation in other drug or device clinical trials. 19. Any other condition or abnormality deemed by the investigator to warrant exclusion.