Background:
The conventional
method of cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation involves the use of
fluoroscopy for visual guidance. The
use of fluoroscopy is accompanied by significant radiation risks to the patient
and the medical staff. Herein, we
report our experience in performing successful nonfluoroscopic pulmonary vein
isolation using cryoballoon ablation in 5 consecutive patients with paroxysmal
atrial fibrillation
Methods and Results:
Five consecutive
patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent cryoballoon ablation for
pulmonary vein isolation using a nonfluoroscopic approach. Pre-procedural
cardiac computed tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was not
performed in any patient. A total of twenty pulmonary veins were identified and
successfully isolated (100%) with the guidance of intracardiac echocardiography
and 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping. No fluoroscopy was used for the procedures.
There were no major procedural adverse events.
Conclusion:
In an unselected group
of patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation, a nonfluoroscopic approach is
feasible and can be performed safely and effectively while eliminating the
risks associated with radiation to both the patient and the medical staff.
Credits: Mansour Razminia, M.D., F.A.C.C.; Hany Demo, M.D.; Carlos Arrieta-Garcia, M.D.; Oliver J. D’Silva, M.D.; Theodore Wang, M.D., F.A.C.C.; Richard F. Kehoe, M.D., F.A.C.C.