M-A: In patients with atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation was associated with a 38% reduction in recurrence and a 68% reduction in hospitalizations. The rate of serious complications was 4.2% with ablation vs. 2.8% in the antiarrhythmic group, a difference that was not statistically significant.

Assessment of Catheter Ablation or Antiarrhythmic Drugs for First-line Therapy of Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials – JAMA Cardiology (free for a limited period)

Commentary: Catheter ablation tops medication alone for treating AFib—but the risk of complications remains – Cardiovascular Business