3.2 Classification of the PVs based on the outcome of CB
ablation and CST ablation technique
Out of 1082 PVs, 56 superior PVs (31 LSPVs and 25 RSPVs) were not
isolated by CB ablation of the superior PV, and the CST ablation
technique for a successful PV isolation was attempted. Among these 56
superior PVs, the CST ablation technique was effective in 16 PVs (CST
success group) but ineffective in 40 PVs that required touch-up
radiofrequency ablation to achieve PV isolation (CST failure group). The
third group involved superior PVs that were isolated only with ablation
targeting the superior PV (“unnecessary CST” group = control group).
Thus, we categorized the ablated superior PVs into three groups
according to the effects of CB ablation and CST ablation technique, as
shown in Figure 1.