Radiofrequency catheter ablation for redo procedures after initial cryoballoon ablation resulted in 73.3% of patients being free from arrhythmia recurrence at 2-year follow-up.
Observational (n=30)
Does radiofrequency catheter ablation effectively and safely treat arrhythmia recurrence in patients undergoing redo procedures after initial cryoablation for atrial fibrillation?
Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a safe and effective strategy for redo procedures in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation after initial cryoballoon ablation, achieving a 73.3% freedom from recurrence at 2 years.
AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of two different strategies using radiofrequency catheter ablation for redo procedures after cryoablation of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Thirty patients (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: 22 patients, persistent atrial fibrillation: 8 patients) had to undergo a redo procedure after initially successful circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with the cryoballoon technique (Arctic Front Balloon, CryoCath Technologies/Medtronic). The redo ablation procedures were performed using a segmental approach or a circumferential ablation strategy (CARTO; Biosense Webster) depending on the intra-procedural findings. After discharge, patients were scheduled for repeated visits at the arrhythmia clinic. A 7-day Holter monitoring was performed at 3, 12 and 24 mo after the ablation procedure. RESULTS: During the redo procedure, a mean number of 2.9 re-conducting pulmonary veins (SD ± 1.0 PVs) were detected (using a circular mapping catheter). In 20 patients, a segmental approach was sufficient to eliminate the residual pulmonary vein conduction because there were only a few recovered pulmonary vein fibres. In the remaining 10 patients, a circumferential ablation strategy was used because of a complete recovery of the PV-LA conduction. All recovered pulmonary veins could be isolated successfully again. At 2-year follow-up, 73.3% of all patients were free from an arrhythmia recurrence (22/30). There were no major complications. CONCLUSION: In patients with an initial circumferential pulmonary vein isolation using the cryoballoon technique, a repeat ablation procedure can be performed safely and effectively using radiofrequency catheter ablation.
Klaus Kettering (Tue,) conducted a observational in Atrial fibrillation (n=30). Radiofrequency catheter ablation (segmental or circumferential) was evaluated on Freedom from arrhythmia recurrence at 2-year follow-up. Radiofrequency catheter ablation for redo procedures after initial cryoballoon ablation resulted in 73.3% of patients being free from arrhythmia recurrence at 2-year follow-up.