Left Atrial Function Analysis for Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Inclusion Criteria: * documented, symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) * catheter ablation is indicated * aged 18-75 years * signed Patient Informed Consent Form * able and willing to comply with all pre-, post-, and follow-up testing and requirements Exclusion Criteria: * secondary AF * paroxysmal, long-standing persistent or permanent AF * ejection fraction \< 30% * GFR \<30 ml/min/1.73m2 * unstable angina pectoris or myocardial infarction within the past 2 months * severe heart failure (NYHA IV) * severe COPD (GOLD III-IV) * previous left atrial catheter ablation * previous transthoracic cardiac surgery * implanted cardiac device (pacemaker, ICD, CRT, VAD) * awaiting cardiac transplantation or other cardiac surgery within the next 12 months * any contraindication for pulmonary vein isolation, MRI or anticoagulation * coagulopathy * active malignancy, left atrial myxoma * autoimmune disorder, chronic inflammatory disease * acute illness, active systemic infection, sepsis * women who are pregnant, breast feeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next 12 months * aged under 18 years or above 75 years * enrollment in other studies, which exclude participation in other studies * patient not willing or not able to sign the informed consent form