Comparison of Using Second-Generation Cryoballoon and Radiofrequency Catheter for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Patients With the Common Ostium of Inferior Pulmonary Veins

Figures

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  Figure 1. A strictly perpendicular plane to the pulmonary ostium (A,B) was used for measurement of the maximal and minimal diameters (C). The red and blue dotted lines represent for the maximal and minimal diameter, respectively.

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  Figure 2. The principle axis of LIPV (red line) and RIPV (yellow line) were identified in frontal and transverse planes. (A,B) Display the frontal orientation measurements of LIPV and RIPV, resectively. Angles α and β represent for the angles between LIPV, RIPV, and the sagittal plane reference (dotted line) in the frontal plane. (C,D) display the transverse orientation measurements of LIPV and RIPV, resectively. Angles δ and ω represent for the angles between LIPV, RIPV, and the sagittal plane reference (dotted line) in the transverse plane. LIPV, left inferior pulmonary vein; RIPV, right inferior pulmonary vein.

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  Figure 3. Venography of inferior pulmonary veins during cryoballoon (CB) ablation. The 28-mm CB was positioned at (A) ostium of the left inferior pulmonary vein and (B) ostium of the right inferior pulmonary vein. The conduction of PVPs (arrow) was delayed and then blocked. *The quadripolar catheter was placed within SVC. CS, coronary sinus; RV, right ventricle; SVC, superior vena cava; PVPs, pulmonary vein potentials.

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  Figure 4. The presentation of AAs-free survival curve of patients in (A) CBA and RFA and (B) subgroup A and B. No log-rank P-value with statistical significance was seen in either curve. AAs, atrial arrhythmias; CBA, cryoballoon ablation; RFA, radiofrequency ablation.

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  Figure 5. The figures display the results of the redo procedure. The left atrium, mitral valve (pink dots), and pulmonary venous ostium (white dots) were firstly identified with point-by-point mapping, then the conduction gaps were ablated successfully (blue dots). Part of ostium was also ablated (red dots) for consolidating PVI. Three conduction gaps were identified for patient #1 in the CBA group (A,B) the anterior segment, the roof of LSPV, and the posterior segment of RSPV. Two conduction gaps were identified for patient #14 in the RFA group (C,D) the anterior segment of LSPV and the contiguous site between LSPV and the common ostium. CBA, cryoballoon ablation; LSPV, left superior pulmonary vein; RSPV, right superior pulmonary vein; PVI, pulmonary vein isolation; RFA, radiofrequency ablation.