Cryoballoon vs. open irrigated radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: long-term FreezeAF outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Effective treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is essential for reducing the risk of stroke and heart failure. Cryoballoon (CB) ablation has been developed as an alternative to the use of radiofrequency (RF) energy for electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins. Herein, we provide long-term data regarding the efficacy of CB ablation in comparison to RF.

Methods

FreezeAF was a randomised non-inferiority study comparing CB ablation with RF ablation for the treatment of patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. Procedural success for the long-term follow-up (30 months) was defined as freedom from AF with an absence of persistent complications.

Results

Of the 315 patients that were randomised and received catheter ablation, 292 (92.7%) completed

SUBMITTER: Luik A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5445510 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature