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Published on: March 15, 2020
Cryoablation of atrial fibrillation
1Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria florian.hintringer@tirol-kliniken.at.
Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 1-2% of the population, and its prevalence is estimated to at least double in the next 50 years as the population ages.
Areas Of Agreement:
AF results in impaired quality of life and even increased mortality. Drugs frequently fail to stabilize sinus rhythm.
Areas Of Controversy:
Catheter ablation is a valuable treatment alternative, even as a first-line therapy in selected cases. However, catheter ablation of AF is challenging, even for experienced operators.
Growing Points:
Simplification of catheter ablation of AF is essential to decrease the threshold for treatment, broaden the access to the therapy and contribute to further reduction of the disease burden. Single-shot devices, that are easy to navigate in the heart, are an essential element in efforts to reach this goal.
Areas Timely For Developing Research:
Cryoenergy is an excellent energy source to combine with a single-shot device, resulting in an excellent safety profile and good clinical results while maintaining its ease of use.
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