Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Ablation and Left Atrial Appendage Closure Combined Procedure: a long term follow up analysis Cryoablation with Concomitant Left Atrial Appendage Closure

Abstract Background combined left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and cryo-energy pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedure has been proven safe and effective in managing stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), although most data refer to procedures performed using radiofrequency (RF) as main energy source. Objective To evaluate long-term follow-up of AF patients undergoing concomitant LAAC and cryo-energy PVI. Methods patients undergoing LAAC and cryoballoon PVI at our institution were enrolled. At 3-, 6-, and 24-months from the index procedure we examined the atrial arrhythmia recurrences rate, the extent of LAAC, and the rate of cerebrovascular/bleedings events. Results Forty-nine patients (69±8 years, 67% male, CHA2DS2-VASc= 2.8 ± 1.2, and HAS-BLED= 3±1) with a guideline LAAC indication were included. Acute PVI and complete LAAC were achieved in 100% of the patients. All patients completed at least a 24-months follow-up. At 8 weeks and 6 months, complete or satisfactory ( Conclusion Concomitant cryoballoon ablation and LAAC procedures appear safe and effective at a long term follow-up, with high anti-thrombotic drug withdrawal rates at 24 months.