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

摘要

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.Copyright ? 2020 Indian Heart Rhythm Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.