Learning curves in atrial fibrillation ablation - A comparison between second generation cryoballoon and contact force sensing radiofrequency catheters.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the learning curves of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation comparing the cryoballoon (CB) and radiofrequency (RF) catheters.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective data analysis from the initiation of AF ablation program in our center. For CB ablation, a second generation 28 mm balloon was utilized and for RF ablation.

RESULTS

A total of 100 consecutive patients (50 in each group) have been enrolled in the study (male 74%, mean age 58.9 ± 10 years, paroxysmal AF 85%). The mean procedure time was shorter for CB (116.6 ± 39.8 min) than RF group (191.8 ± 101.1 min) (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the mean fluoroscopy time, 24.2 ± 10.6 min in RF and 22.4 ± 11.7 min in CB group, (p = 0.422). Seven major complications occurred during the study; 5 in RF group (10%) and 2 in CB group (4%) (p = 0.436). After the mean follow up of 14.5 ± 2.4 months, 15 patients in RF group (30%) and 11 in CB group (26%) experienced AF recurrences (P = 0.300).

CONCLUSION

When starting a new AF ablation program, our results suggest that CB significantly shortens procedure while fluoroscopy time and clinical outcomes are comparable to RF ablation.