Chinese expert consensus on combined catheter ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion for atrial fibrillation (2026 edition)

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias in clinical practice, significantly increasing the risk of adverse events such as stroke and heart failure. Rhythm control and stroke prevention are important components of integrated AF management. The combined catheter ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion procedure (one-stop procedure) can simultaneously achieve both major management goals—rhythm control and stroke prevention—through a single intervention. Currently, the annual volume of the one-stop procedure in China has exceeded 10,000 cases, accumulating valuable experience unique to China. To promote the high quality and standardization of this procedure in China, the Cardiovascular Society of the Chinese Stroke Association and the National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine have organized experts to jointly develop the Chinese Expert Consensus on Combined Catheter Ablation and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion for Atrial Fibrillation (2026 Edition). This consensus systematically addresses all aspects of the one-stop procedure, aiming to provide Chinese clinicians with a scientific, systematic, and actionable practical guidance framework to improve clinical outcomes for AF patients.