Real-world single-center preliminary experience of radiofrequency balloon pulmonary vein ablation for atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by percutaneous transcatheter ablation is its pivotal treatment. Nowadays, several techniques using different energy sources are used, such as radiofrequency (RF), cryoablation and laser ablation. A new technology that combines the strengths of different techniques has been developed, in particular having both the speed of one-shot techniques and the selectivity and precision of point-by-point RF: the RF balloon (RFB). Recent clinical studies^1–3 have demonstrated its efficacy and safety, with good results in terms of first pass isolation, procedural duration and fluoroscopy time. However, real-world data regarding RFB ablation is scarce, therefore with this study we aimed to describe the experience of our center with this technology (one of the first adopting it in our country). We prospectively enrolled in a single-center a total of 20 consecutive patients who underwent AF ablation with RFB. The primary endpoint, i.e. PVI defined as stable absence of any electrical conduction from and into the veins, was met by 18 patient (90 %). Mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were 79 ± 30.68 min and and 15.36 ± 6.57 min, respectively, dwelling time was 30.3 ± 8.09 min. The only complication reported was a single case mild pericardial effusion 24 h after the procedure, likely of inflammatory nature, which was treated conservatively and resolved before discharge. With this study we demonstrated that PVI with RFB appears to be an effective and safe technique in a real world setting, with many upsides and a reduced atrial dwelling time that theoretically could reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. Further studies on larger number of patients are needed to confirm the results we obtained.