Cognitive assessments
To evaluate the potential impact of periprocedural SCE on cognition, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test was administered to all enrolled patients on the day before ablation, 24–72 h after ablation, and at the 3-month follow-up. The MoCA test consists of 30 items assessing visuospatial ability, executive function, attention, short-term memory, concentration and working memory, language, and orientation to time and place. Patients can earn up to 30 points on the MoCA test, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function.