Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation prior to percutaneous atrial septal defect closure: a case report

We report the case of a 61-year-old female who was admitted to our department with progressive dyspnea and palpitation. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography showed a small atrial septal defect (ASD, 8x7 mm). Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) was detected in Holter monitoring. As repair of ASD does not significantly reduce the risk of arrhythmias, cryoablation of AF was performed prior to ASD closure. On cardiac examination at one year, this combined intervention improved right ventricular function and prevented AF episodes.