Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Obese Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Compared to Non-Obese Counterparts: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Obesity is an important risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) development. Data on cryoballoon ablation (CBA) outcomes in obese patients have so far been scarce. We reviewed the existing literature to compare the efficacy and safety of CBA in obese versus non-obese AF patients. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for studies comparing clinical outcomes (arrhythmia recurrence and/or procedural data and/or safety outcomes) between obese and non-obese patients undergoing CBA for AF. Statistical pooling was performed according to a random-effects model with generic inverse-variance weighting of relative risks (RRs) and standardised mean differences (SMDs) computing risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Obese and non-obese patients had comparable arrhythmia recurrence rates (normal versus overweight, RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.82–1.11, p = 0.55, I2% = 91%; normal versus class I obesity, RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.82–1.13, p = 0.68, I2% = 87%; normal versus class II obesity, RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.91–1.07, p = 0.29, I2% = 65%). Procedure time was marginally increased in obese patients compared to non-obese counterparts (normal versus overweight, SMD = 0.05, 95% CI: −0.15–0.26, p = 0.62, I2% = 74%; normal versus class I obesity, SMD = 0.10, 95% CI: −0.00–0.19, p = 0.06, I2% = 2%; overweight versus class I obesity, SMD = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01–0.21, p = 0.048, I2% = 25%). Regarding radiation exposure, fluoroscopy time was increased in patients with class I obesity compared to normal-weight or overweight patients and dose area product was also increased in obese patients compared to non-obese patients. Lastly, the risk of complications did not differ between obese and non-obese patients. Statistical heterogeneity and the small number of patients included are the main limitations of this study. Conclusion: CBA seems to be effective for obese patients suffering from AF, featuring also similar safety outcomes with non-obese individuals. Radiation exposure was increased in obese patients.