Left atrial radiofrequency ablation during mitral valve surgery: a prospective randomized multicentre study (SAFIR).

Background: Randomized studies evaluating left atrial radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve surgery are scarce and monocentric.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of left atrial RFA concomitant with mitral valve surgery to restore and maintain sinus rhythm.

Methods: The SAFIR is a multicentre, double-blinded, centrally randomized study involving four university hospitals.