Cryoballoon Ablation as Initial Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation

Cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation

2014 Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is the cornerstone of ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation. The majority of procedures are still performed using radiofrequency (RF) energy and a point-by-point ablation approach. Novel ‘single shot’ ablation tools with the aim of creating a circumferential lesion around the PVs with a single or a limited number of energy applications emerge. The currently...

Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Focal point-by-point radiofrequency catheter ablation has shown considerable success in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, it is not without limitations. Recent clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that cryothermal ablation using a balloon catheter (Artic Front©, Medtronic CryoCath LP) provides an effective alternative strategy to treating atrial fibrillatio...

Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation

Pulmonary vein isolation with catheter ablation is an effective treatment in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation refractory or intolerant to antiarrhythmic medications. The cryoballoon catheter was recently approved for this procedure. In this paper, the basics of cryothermal energy ablation are reviewed including its ability of creating homogenous lesion formation, minimal destructio...

Radiofrequency Ablation as Initial Therapy in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Nonfluoroscopic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using Cryoballoon.

BACKGROUND The conventional method of cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation involves the use of fluoroscopy for visual guidance. The use of fluoroscopy is accompanied by significant radiation risks to the patient and the medical staff. Herein, we report our experience in performing successful nonfluoroscopic pulmonary vein isolation using cryoballoon ablation in 5 consecutive patients wit...