Preliminary Experience with Cryoballoon Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: 100-case series

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Abstract

Background: The evaluation of novel energy sources for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is of great clinical interest. Cryoballoon ablation appears as an attractive alternative for patients with PAF refractory to pharmacological therapy.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the initial cryoballoon ablation experience performed at our institution from November 2013 to May 2015 in patients with PAF, evaluating the safety, efficacy and characteristics of the procedure.
Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study analyzing the first 100 consecutive cases performed with 28-mm Artic Front™ cryoballoon (Medtronic, Inc.) from November 2013 to May 2015. Immediate success was defined as isolation of all pulmonary veins. Atrial fibrillation recurrence was assessed in 72 patients with more than 6 months follow-up.
Results: The procedure lasted 78.03±19.84 min with fluoroscopy duration of 20.79±11.91 min and a total radiation dose of 202.93±81 mGy. The rate of acute success was 100%. The complication rate was 1% due to transient diaphragmatic paralysis. The AF-free rate was 81.95% in patients with over 6-months follow-up.
Conclusions: Our initial experience with cryoballoon ablation was safe and effective with a high rate of acute success and low rate of complications. The procedure was short and the AF-free rate was more than acceptable.