Outcomes of Pulsed Field Versus Cryoballoon Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Catheter-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an established treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). While cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is a well-validated single-shot thermal technology, pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a predominantly non-thermal modality that employs high-voltage electric fields to achieve selective myocardial ablation, potentially minimizing collateral damage. However, comparative evidence between PFA and CBA remains limited.

Objectives

To systematically review and compare the efficacy, safety, and procedural efficiency of PFA versus CBA for PVI.

Methods and results

A structured systematic database search was conducted up to August 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Eighteen studies (n = 5638; 2396 PFA and 3242 CBA) we

SUBMITTER: Kamel O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835614 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature