Balloon cryoablation achieved durable long-term pulmonary vein isolation, with 88% (42 of 48) of pulmonary veins remaining isolated at a second mapping procedure 8 to 12 weeks later.
Cohort (n=12)
Does balloon cryoablation provide durable long-term pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation?
Cryoballoon ablation for pulmonary vein isolation demonstrates high chronic durability, with 88% of veins remaining isolated at 8-12 weeks.
BACKGROUND: Because of its technical feasibility and presumed safety benefits, balloon cryoablation is being increasingly employed for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. While acute isolation has been demonstrated in most patients, little data are available on the chronic durability of cryoballoon lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve atrial fibrillation patients underwent PV isolation using either a 23-mm or 28-mm cryoballoon. For each vein, after electrical isolation was verified with the use of a circular mapping cathether, 2 bonus balloon ablation lesions were placed. Gaps in balloon occlusion were overcome using either a spot cryocatheter or a "pull-down" technique. A prespecified second procedure was performed at 8-12 weeks to assess for long-term PV isolation. Acute PV isolation was achieved in all PVs in the patient cohort (n = 48 PVs), using the cryoballoon alone in 47/48 PVs (98%); a "pull-down" technique was employed for 5 PVs (1 right superior pulmonary vein, 2 right inferior pulmonary veins, and 2 left inferior pulmonary veins). The gap in the remaining vein was ablated with a spot cryocatheter. During the second mapping procedure, 42 of 48 PVs (88%) remained isolated. One vein had reconnected in 2 patients, while 2 veins had reconnected in another 2 patients. All PVs initially isolated with the "pull-down" technique remained isolated at the second procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoballoon ablation allows for durable PV isolation with the use of a single balloon. With maintained chronic isolation in most PVs, it may represent a significant step toward consistent and lasting ablation procedures.
Ahmed et al. (Mon,) conducted a cohort in Atrial fibrillation (n=12). Balloon cryoablation (23-mm or 28-mm cryoballoon) was evaluated on Long-term pulmonary vein isolation at 8-12 weeks. Balloon cryoablation achieved durable long-term pulmonary vein isolation, with 88% (42 of 48) of pulmonary veins remaining isolated at a second mapping procedure 8 to 12 weeks later.