Radiofrequency versus cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation: an argument for a 'cryo-first' approach.
Current opinion in cardiology
Tomaiko, E., Tseng, A., Su, W.
2019
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation are the two most common modalities for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Radiofrequency, being more prevalent and having existed for a longer period, is often utilized for patients' first ablations, despite the efficiency and efficacy of the cryoballoon tool. Here we examine the advantages of the cryoballoon for its use in first-time ablation of atrial fibrillation.RECENT FINDINGS: The FIRE & ICE trial is established as conclusive evidence of the noninferiority of cryoballoon ablation to radiofrequency ablation in terms of efficacy. Since the study, cryoballoon has evolved in both form and technique, suggesting need for repeat consideration of the advantages of cryoablation over radiofrequency ablation. The second-generation cryoballoon has led to greater efficiency in achieving permanent pulmonary vein isolation, reducing complications, and reducing procedure times.SUMMARY: There are advantages to the use of cryoballoon which could increase success of first-time ablations, delaying need for repeat procedure and lowering overall burden on patients and the healthcare system. Cryoballoon ablation should be considered for first-time ablation in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation.
View details for DOI 10.1097/HCO.0000000000000700
View details for PubMedID 31688135
Abstract
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often undergo repeat catheter ablation for recurrence of tachyarrhythmia. If the pulmonary veins were isolated in prior procedure, the operator should focus on substrate homogenization with identification and ablation of only arrhythmogenic areas. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
View details for DOI 10.1111/jce.14238
View details for PubMedID 31626351
Abstract
Since the introduction of the cryoballoon catheter for atrial fibrillation, dosing practice has undergone frequent changes to maximize efficacy while mitigating complications. Purely time-based dosing was the standard during the introduction of the cryoballoon, when only guidewire support was available [1]. Following the introduction of the second-generation cryoballoon (Arctic Front Advance), practice called for a 240 second freeze-thaw-refreeze strategy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
View details for DOI 10.1111/jce.14096
View details for PubMedID 31379039
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With the growing popularity of the cryoballoon tool for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, there has been discussion of whether cryothermal energy is just as or more effective than traditional radiofrequency. This review will compare both thermal energies for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.RECENT FINDINGS: Although the FIRE and ICE trial established that cryoballoon technology is noninferior to radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, both thermal technologies have undergone advancement. This review intends to explore recent changes in technology and catheter ablation technique to improve outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation.SUMMARY: Catheter ablation is standard treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation, which primarily focuses on electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins. Radiofrequency is the most common approach at present times; however, over time, new technology has developed. Most successful among these is the cryoballoon tool. Although the FIRE and ICE trial indicated radiofrequency and cryothermal energy to be approximately equal in efficacy and safety, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. This review seeks to address the value of each tool, as well as further development needed to better address atrial fibrillation while improving procedural safety.
View details for PubMedID 30444763
Abstract
Since the evaluation of the cryoballoon in the Sustained Treatment Of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation trial, more than 350,000 patients with atrial fibrillation have been treated. Several studies have reported improved outcomes using the second-generation cryoballoon, and recent publications have evaluated modifications, refinements, and improvements in procedural techniques. Here, peer-reviewed articles published since the first cryoballoon best practices review were summarized against the technical practices of physicians with a high level of experience with the cryoballoon (average ?6 years of experience in ?900 cases). This summary includes a comprehensive literature review along with practical usage guidance from physicians using the cryoballoon to facilitate safe, efficient, and effective outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.hrthm.2018.04.021
View details for PubMedID 29684571
Abstract
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) via catheter ablation is an approved therapy for patients with drug-refractory and symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Furthermore, cryoballoon is now considered to be as effective as focal radiofrequency catheter ablation. This study examines the second-generation cryoballoon performance in a US multicenter review of real-world practices.By retrospective chart collections, the long-term efficacy and safety of the cryoballoon procedure were assessed in 15 US centers. All patients had a history of drug-refractory symptomatic paroxysmal AF and were treated with a cryoballoon PVI strategy at the index ablation.Four hundred fifty-two patients were evaluated, and acute PVI was achieved in 99% of patients by cryoballoon catheter ablation. In 0.88% of patients (4/452), an additional focal ablation catheter was used to achieve acute PVI during the ablation procedure. Average procedure time was 128 (range 82 to 260) min, using an average of 17 (range 1 to 19) min of fluoroscopy. The most frequent adverse event was transient phrenic nerve injury (1.5%; 7/452 patients) which all resolved by the end of the procedure with no diaphragmatic dysfunction at discharge. There were no strokes, transient ischemic attacks, cardiac tamponade, atrioesophageal fistulas, or deaths during the study. At the 12-month efficacy endpoint, single-procedure success of freedom from atrial arrhythmia was 87% (393/452 patients).This real-world examination of the US practice demonstrates that second-generation cryoballoon ablation by PVI strategy is safe and effective among patients with paroxysmal AF.
View details for PubMedID 29478173
Abstract
The cryoballoon catheter has proven to be both safe and effective when used for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). More recently, the cryoballoon catheter has demonstrated the ability to create durable, transmural, and large areas of PV ablation. However, persistent and long-standing persistent AF can require additional cardiac substrate modification(s) before a patient is returned to normal sinus rhythm. Yet, no study has reported the techniques necessary to achieve extra-PV lesion sets using the cryoballoon catheter.Cryoballoon ablation was completed in 225 patients with varying degrees of AF disease. In several cases, the balloon was used for more than PV isolation. This study examines the 11 anatomical cardiac locations where extra-PV lesion sets were utilized.This study demonstrates that these extra-PV ablations can be done safely with the balloon catheter (3.6 % total complication rate). The 12-month efficacy (freedom from all atrial arrhythmia) using these techniques was 88 % in 88 patients with paroxysmal AF, 71 % in 75 patients with persistent AF, and 55 % in 62 patients with long-standing persistent AF. While using this protocol, mean procedure time was 2.2?±?0.6 h, and average fluoroscopy time was 4.2?±?2.2 min.The cryoballoon catheter can be used to make effective and safe extra-PV lesions. However, these techniques will need to be validated in more multi-center studies with review of complication rates and long-term freedom from AF.
View details for DOI 10.1007/s10840-016-0120-y
View details for Web of Science ID 000387109800010
View details for PubMedID 26936265
Abstract
Since the release of the second-generation cryoballoon (CB2; Arctic Front Advance(TM), Medtronic Inc) and its design modifications with improved cooling characteristics, the technique, dosing, and complication profile is significantly different from that of the first-generation cryoballoon. A comprehensive report of CB2 procedural recommendations has not been reported.The purpose of this study was to review the current best practices from a group of experienced centers to create a user's consensus guide for CB2 ablation.High-volume operators with a combined experience of more than 3000 CB2 cases were interviewed, and consensus for technical and procedural best practice was established.Comprehensive review of the CB2 ablation best practice guide will provide a detailed technique for achieving safer and more effective outcomes for CB2 atrial fibrillation ablation.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.hrthm.2015.03.021
View details for Web of Science ID 000356766500043
View details for PubMedID 25778428
Abstract
The cryoballoon catheter ablates atrial fibrillation (AF) triggers in the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) via transseptal access. The typical transseptal puncture site is the fossa ovalis (FO) - the atrial septum's thinnest section. A potentially beneficial transseptal site, for the cryoballoon, is near the inferior limbus (IL). This study examines an alternative transseptal site near the IL, which may decrease the frequency of acute iatrogenic atrial septal defect (IASD). Also, the study evaluates the acute pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) success rate utilizing the IL location. 200 patients were evaluated by retrospective chart review for acute PVI success rate with an IL transseptal site. An additional 128 IL transseptal patients were compared to 45 FO transseptal patients by performing Doppler intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) post-ablation to assess transseptal flow after removal of the transseptal sheath. After sheath removal and by Doppler ICE imaging, 42 of 128 (33%) IL transseptal patients demonstrated acute transseptal flow, while 45 of 45 (100%) FO transseptal puncture patients had acute transseptal flow. The difference in acute transseptal flow detection between FO and IL sites was statistically significant (P <0.0001). Furthermore, 186 of 200 patients (with an IL transseptal puncture) did not need additional ablation(s) and had achieved an acute PVI by a "cryoballoon only" technique. An IL transseptal puncture site for cryoballoon AF ablations is an effective location to mediate PVI at all four PVs. Additionally, an IL transseptal location can lower the incidence of acute transseptal flow by Doppler ICE when compared to the FO. Potentially, the IL transseptal site may reduce later IASD complications post-cryoballoon procedures.
View details for DOI 10.3791/52811
View details for PubMedID 26132435
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