Key result
Female sex was associated with higher unadjusted rates of atrial fibrillation recurrence (29.6% vs 25.2%), but this difference was not independent of cryothermal exposure after adjustment (OR 1.012).
Why the study?
Women undergoing cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation show higher recurrence rates and it is unclear whether ablation dosing differs by sex.
Does female sex increase the risk of arrhythmia recurrence in patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation?
Cohort (n=2,137)
Yes
Does female sex increase the risk of arrhythmia recurrence in patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation?
Women receive lower effective cryothermal exposure during cryoballoon ablation, which may explain their higher rates of atrial fibrillation recurrence compared to men.
Apparent higher AF recurrence in women after cryoballoon ablation may reflect lower cryothermal exposure; leaves open whether sex-specific dosing improves outcomes.
Atrial fibrillation • Pulmonary vein isolation • Cryoballoon ablation • Cryothermal exposure • Sex differences • Precision medicine
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Heil et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Atrial fibrillation (n=2,137). Female sex vs. Male sex was evaluated on Arrhythmia recurrence within 12 months (OR 1.012, 95% CI 0.784-1.307, p=0.928). Female sex was associated with higher unadjusted rates of atrial fibrillation recurrence (29.6% vs 25.2%), but this difference was not independent of cryothermal exposure after adjustment (OR 1.012).
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