Korean Circ J.  2018 Feb;48(2):114-123. 10.4070/kcj.2017.0318.

Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: a Comprehensive Review and Practice Guide

• Jin ES
• Wang PJ

• KMID: 2403159
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4070/kcj.2017.0318

Abstract

The cryoballoon was invented to achieve circumferential pulmonary vein isolation more efficiently to compliment the shortcomings of point-by-point ablation by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Its efficacy and safety were shown to be comparable to those of RFA, and the clinical outcomes have improved with the second-generation cryoballoon. The basic biophysics, implemental techniques, procedural recommendations, clinical outcomes, and complications of the cryoballoon are presented in this practical and systematic review.

Keyword

Atrial fibrillation; Catheter ablation; Cryosurgery

MeSH Terms

Atrial Fibrillation*
Biophysics
Catheter Ablation
Cryosurgery
Pulmonary Veins

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Compared to the first-generation cryoballoon (A), the second-generation cryoballoon has homogeneous cooling system in distal hemisphere (B) (Courtesy; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA).

• 

  Figure 2 Recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias. (A) The second-generation cryoballoon (CB-2) vs. radiofrequency (RF) ablation. (B) CB-2 vs. force-sensing RF catheter ablation (CF-RF). CI = confidence interval.

• 

  Figure 3 Comparison of procedure time and fluoroscopy time between the second-generation cryoballoon (CB-2) vs. radiofrequency (RF) ablation group. (A) Procedure time. (B) Fluoroscopy time. SD = standard deviation.

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  Figure 4 Complications. (A) Transient phrenic nerve injury. (B) Other serious complications.

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