Key result
Cryoballoon-based LAA isolation shows a 26% LAA thrombus rate, exclusively in patients with durable isolation.
Why the study?
In persistent AF, PVI alone often yields suboptimal results, and evidence for cryoballoon-based LAA isolation remains limited, heterogeneous, and lacking long-term follow-up.
Does cryoballoon-based left atrial appendage isolation and closure affect the incidence of LAA thrombus and maintain sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation?
Does cryoballoon-based left atrial appendage isolation and closure affect the incidence of LAA thrombus and maintain sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Cryoballoon-based left atrial appendage isolation in persistent AF is associated with a high risk of LAA thrombus formation, particularly when isolation is durable, highlighting the potential need for early LAA closure.
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) as its interventional cornerstone. Yet, in persistent AF (PersAF), PVI alone often yields suboptimal results. The left atrial appendage (LAA) has emerged as a promising adjunctive ablation target. Cryoballoon (CB) technology, proven safe and effective for durable PVI, has recently been explored for LAA isolation (LAAI) as an alternative to radiofrequency ablation, showing encouraging outcomes. Still, evidence remains limited, heterogeneous, and lacking long-term follow-up. Purpose This study sought to investigate the clinical impact on CB-based LAAI in addition to PVI, the incidence of post-procedural LAA thrombus formation and thromboembolism as well as the impact of interventional LAA-closure (LAAC). Methods This is a prospective, interventional, single centre study. Consecutive patients with symptomatic PersAF were prospectively enrolled. In total 23 patients with PersAF underwent PVI plus LAAI using the Arctic front advance (CB2) or Arctic front advance pro (CB4) CB system. Percutaneous LAA-closure was performed within 2-3 months in all patients by implanting an endocardial LAA-closure device. Prior to LAA-closure, LAAI-durability was systematically assessed by invasive remapping studies utilizing a circular mapping catheter. Results The median age was 70 (60.5, 70.0) years. A total of 100% of PVs were successfully isolated using the CB only (n=91/91). Concerning LAAI, a total of 21/23 (91%) remained isolated at the end of the procedure. After the ablation procedure including LAAI all patients were scheduled for TEE assessment and LAA closure. TEE was performed after a mean of 54 ± 19 days. In 6/23 (26%) patients LAA thrombus formation was detected after LAAI. A total of 23/23 patients (100%) received LAAC after a mean of 72 ± 45 days. Durability of LAAI was assessed utilizing a spiral mapping catheter in 23/23 patients (100%). In a total of 17/23 (74%) patients durable LAA isolation was detected. Durable PVI of all PVs was detected in 16/23 (70%) patients. During a mean follow-up of 13 ± 3.4 months, stable sinus rhythm was maintained in 15 (65%) patients. The LAA showed reconnection in 3/23 (13%) patients with arrhythmia recurrence. In patients with LAA-thrombus after LAAI 6/6 (100%) showed durable LAAI. In patients without durable LAAI the rate of thrombus was 0/6 (0%) (p<0.001). During follow-up one stroke (318 days after LAAC) and one device thrombus (56 days after LAAC) occurred. Both patients had durable LAAI and continued OAC, despite LAAC. Conclusion While CB-based LAAI may offer benefits in managing persistent AF, it presents a significant risk of thrombus formation in the LAA, even with appropriate OAC. Early closure of the LAA following LAAI appears promising in mitigating these risks, but further evidence is needed to establish clear best practices.
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Tilz et al. (2026) studied Symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation (n=23). Cryoballoon-based left atrial appendage isolation (LAAI) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was evaluated on LAA thrombus formation after LAAI. Cryoballoon-based left atrial appendage isolation in patients with persistent AF resulted in LAA thrombus formation in 26% of patients, which was exclusively seen in those with durable isolation.
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