METHODS
RECRUITMENT, BLIND
This is a double blind, randomized sham controlled study commenced in December 2019 (Figure The SHAM PVI study timeline. One hundred fourty patients will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive cryoablation or a sham procedure. All patients will receive an ILR. Outcomes will be assessed at 3 and 6 months post‐randomisation with the first 3 months constituting the blanking period. DCCV, Direct current cardioversion; ILR, implantable loop recorder.Following recruitment and baseline measurements, all patients will undergo an implantable loop recorder (ILR) implantation (Reveal LINQ, Medtronic Inc.) if this has not been inserted previously. It is recommended the ILR be inserted at least 2 weeks before the main procedure day or on the main procedure day dependent on covid‐19 restrictions.