Efficacy of 1st generation cryoballon therapy in atrial fibrillation, an single center, 1 year follow-up study

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of first generation cryoballon ablation therapy in atrial fibrillation. Methods One hundred fifty-nine patients were enrolled in succession, received CBA therapy due to atrial fibrillation from May 2014 to March 2015.Patients were divided into PAF and PeAF groups based on the arrhythmia history; and 28 mm groups and 23 mm ballon groups due to cryoballon diameter; initial 50(1-50 th)and subsequent 101(51-159 th)groups in learning curve.The success rates in 3months, 6months, 12months and beyond 12months were analyzed during follow-ups. Results During 12~22(16.9±2.9)months follow-up, 43 cases recurred(atrial fibrillation and atrial tachycardias)after first 3 months blank periods, and 20 patients received repeat RFCA procedures.the success rate of single CBA therapy was 91.2%(145/159), 87.4%(139/159), 78.5%(117/149)and 72.7%(101/139)in 3 month, 6 months, 12 months and after 12 months follow-ups; the CBA success rate was difference between 28 mm(n=112)and 23 mm(n=47)ballon group 93.8% vs.85.1%(P=0.052), 91.1% vs.78.7%(P=0.03), 84.9% vs.65.1%(P=0.006), and 80.0% vs.59.0%(P=0.01)respectively.In the learning curve phase analysis, the initial 50(1-50 th) and subsequent 101(51-159 th)groups, the success rate was 80.0% vs.96.3%(P=0.002), 72.0% vs.94.5%(P=0.007)and 66.7% vs.86.5%(P=0.005)respectively in the follow-ups. Conclusion The first generation balloon CBA therapy may be effective, with high middle-term success rates, especially in paraoxymal atrial fibrillation groups, 28 mm balloon group and experience could improve the efficacy. Key words: Atrial fibrillation; Cryoballoon ablation; Follow-up