Acute pericarditis following second-generation cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Medical Complications

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is a common procedure.
• Acute pericarditis is a known, though infrequent, complication post-ablation.
• Cryoballoon (CB) ablation is a widely used method for AF treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of acute pericarditis following CB ablation for AF.
• To investigate clinical aspects and potential associations with procedural characteristics.
• To explore the relationship between pericarditis and AF recurrence post-ablation.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 450 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing index CB ablation was studied.
• Patients with contraindications to the procedure or anesthesia were excluded.
• Data on procedural characteristics and pericarditis occurrence were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Acute pericarditis was observed in 4% of patients (18/450).
• Pericardial effusion was mild/moderate in 78% of affected patients.
• Higher total cryoapplication counts and freeze durations, particularly in the right inferior pulmonary vein, were significantly associated with pericarditis (p<0.01).

Conclusions:

• The incidence of acute pericarditis post-CB ablation for AF is 4%.
• Increased cryoapplication number and freeze duration are linked to higher pericarditis risk.
• Acute pericarditis following CB ablation has a favorable clinical course and does not affect long-term outcomes or recurrence rates.