In contrast to population studies, where it can be difficult to detect and verify all strokes, all events in the trial were rigorously detected and adjudicated. [sciencedaily.com]

These results, which were observed during 18 months of follow-up with rigorous monitoring, held across the primary outcome and all secondary outcomes. [nejm.org]

Patient follow-up was long (18 months) with rigorous rhythm monitoring (systematic weekly transtelephonic monitoring and in case of symptoms), patients were unaware of the implemented ablation technique and a second procedure was allowed at 3–6 months [link.springer.com]

[…] investigators, Italy References Fuster V, Rydén LE, Cannom DS, Crijns HJ, Curtis AB, Ellenbogen KA, Halperin JL, Le Heuzey JY, Kay GN, Lowe JE, Olsson SB, Prystowsky EN, Tamargo JL, Wann S, Smith SC, Jacobs AK, Adams CD, Anderson JL, Antman EM, Halperin JL, Hunt [bmccardiovascdisord.biomedcentral.com]

In one patient in the group assigned to isolation plus electrograms, a procedure-related atrioesophageal fistula developed that was complicated by stroke; this was successfully treated by esophageal stenting, but the patient died 3 months later of aspiration [nejm.org]

Abbreviations: AADT, antiarrhythmic drug therapy; AF, atrial fibrillation; AP, aspiration pneumonia; CA, catheter ablation; CFAE, complex fractionated atrial electrograms; CT, cardiac tamponade; DR, drug resistant; FH, femoral hematoma; H, hematomas; [dovepress.com]

The symptoms of persistent AFib include fatigue, lethargy and shortness of breath. When an episode lasts longer than 7 days, the person is unlikely to come out of AFib without treatment. [vacardio.com]