Combined use of cryoballoon and focal open-irrigation radiofrequency ablation for treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation: results from a pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) achieved using a cryoballoon has been shown to be safe and effective. This treatment modality has limited effectiveness for treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a combined approach using a cryoballoon for treatment of PVI and focal radiofrequency (RF) left atrial substrate ablation for treatment of persistent AF.

METHODS

Twenty-two consecutive patients with persistent AF were included in the study. PVI initially was performed with a cryoballoon. Left atrial complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) then were ablated using an RF catheter. Finally, linear ablations using the RF catheter were performed.

RESULTS

Eighty-three PVs, including five with left common ostia, were targeted and isolated (100%). Seventy-seven (94%) of 82 PVs targeted with the cryoballoon were isolated, and 5 (6%) required use of RF energy to complete isolation. A mean of 9.7 +/- 2.6 cryoablation applications per patient was needed to achieve PVI. Median time required for cryoablation per vein was 600 seconds, and mean number of balloon applications per vein was 2.5 +/- 1.0. In 19 (86%) patients in whom AF persisted after PVI, CFAE areas were ablated using the RF catheter. Two cases of transient phrenic nerve paralysis occurred. After a single procedure and mean follow-up of 6.0 +/- 2.9 months, 86.4% of patients were AF-free without antiarrhythmic drugs.

CONCLUSION

A combined approach of cryoablation and RF ablation for treatment of persistent AF is feasible and is associated with a favorable short-term outcome.