[Position paper of the German Society of Cardiology-quality criteria for performing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: executive summary].

The updated German Society of Cardiology (DGK) position paper on catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) [1] presents the current evidence, techniques, and quality standards, which have evolved significantly since 2017 alongside indications, technology, and the role of ablation in therapy. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains the cornerstone of AF ablation. In addition to established procedures such as radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation, pulsed field ablation (PFA) is gaining importance. For persistent AF, clear recommendations beyond PVI are still lacking, despite growing evidence supporting adjunctive ablation strategies. The healthcare landscape shows a marked increase in ablations, with same day discharge procedures recommended only for carefully selected patients. Precise patient selection-including medical history, risk factors, and imaging-is critical for procedural success and safety. The importance of periprocedural management and structured follow-up is emphasized. Complications such as pericardial tamponade, stroke, and phrenic nerve injury require structured protocols and experienced teams. Particularly in patients with heart failure, ablation may offer prognostic benefits. Certification of centers by the DGK supports quality assurance. New developments, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted ablation planning and studies on postablation anticoagulation strategies, are expected to further influence clinical practice.