First Experience with Cryo-Balloon Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. A Case Report

Abstract

We compared the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency with cryothermal energy in catheter ablation of patients with paroxysmal AF. The study included 24 consecutive patients with highly symptomatic paroxysmal AF (PAF) refractory to at least 1 class of antiarrhythmic drugs. Group I radiofrequency ablation and group II cryoballoon ablation (each group consists of 12 patients). Exclusion criteria: Patients <18 years, Structural heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%, significant valvular heart disease, LA size >50 mm), reversible causes of AF, intracardiac thrombus, inability to take oral anticoagulants, additional ablation lines other than cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) and Repeat AF ablation. Transseptal puncture was performed under fluoroscopic guidance, one for the cryoballoon and two for the RF ablation.