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@sjm46 The point is that it does not have a 85% success rate because, as the citation says, it is no better (currently) than RF, and RF ablation only has a 75% success rate (some sources saying it is lower, closer to 68%). If RF has a 70-75% success rate, and the citation is correct, that PFA is not significantly (statistically) superior to RF, then PFA cannot have an 85% success rate. QED.
https://biologyinsights.com/what-is-the-afib-ablation-success-rate/
This study is actually quite dismal, indicating only 56% success for first ablations:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0146280622000585
This one says it's closer to 90%:
https://medtigo.com/news/refined-rf-based-ablation-techniques-show-high-success-rates-for-treating-afib/
Whatever you want to pin it at, say an average of about 75%, the first citation in the previous post says that PFA is not statistically more efficacious than RF. What PFA does have is less risk due to less tissue damage, or potential damage to the phrenic nerve and to the esophagus. That, alone would make PFA more desirable for the majority of patients. Just don't expect to be AF-free at a rate higher than RF, where the failure rate runs at about 25%.
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@gloaming I read your comments all the time and appreciate your research on tests and studies but your last comment does leave me a little frustrated. Whatever type of ablation procedure you use, the skill of the EP is the number one thing, and PFA is safer/ faster than the other types. There are no guarantees for being AF-free, but the earlier a person seeks treatment the better, and lastly, the failure rate you list may or may not be 25% but that means the success rate is 75%! I also see people who have ablations who go back to their old habits or have waited years to get treatment or simply aren't bothered that much by the symptoms. I prefer to feel optimistic and I encourage others to think positive because that alone can improve quality of life.