Surgical perspectives in the management of atrial fibrillation

Table 1 The five types of atrial fibrillation as classified by European Heart Rhythm Association and European Association For Cardio Thoracic Surgery

Type of AF	Duration	Definition
First diagnosis	-	First episode of AF irrespective to duration or severity
Paroxysmal	48 h	Self-terminating (usually within 48 h); may continue for up to 7 d. After 48 h it is unlikely that spontaneous conversion will occur
		Anticoagulation must be considered
Persistent	> 7 d	Requires termination by cardio-eversion with drugs or direct current
Long standing persistent	≥ 1 yr	Rhythm control strategy
Permanent	-	Presence of arrhythmia is accepted and rhythm control interventions are not pursued1

¹In case of rhythm control interventions, the permanent AF should be re-designated as long standing persistent AF. AF: Atrial fibrillation.