Comparison of cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease

Objective. To compare the results of cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with mitral valve disease. Material and methods. We analyzed postoperative outcomes in 79 patients with mitral valve disease and concomitant AF who underwent correction of valvular pathology, cryoablation (n=42) and radiofrequency ablation (n=37) between 2015 and 2021. Results. Effectiveness of cryoablation was 87% after a year and 72% after 2 years, RFA — 100% and 63%, respectively. The need for permanent pacemaker was 5% after cryoablation and 19% after RFA. Analysis of pre- and postoperative atrial dimensions regarding structural remodeling found significant decrease of these indicators in both groups. Conclusion. MAZE procedure is effective and safe for restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm. Annual freedom from AF was 87% after cryoablation and 100% after RFA. Atrial dimensions significantly decreased in both groups (p<0.001) that indicated structural remodeling as one of the main independent factors for maintaining sinus rhythm.