Predictors of hemoptysis in the setting of pulmonary vein isolation using the second-generation cryoballoon

To assess the predictors of hemoptysis using second-generation cryoballoon (CB).

Thirty patients with hemoptysis after second-generation CB ablation and 60 age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched controls were recruited. Anatomic parameters were obtained from preprocedural cardiac computed tomography (CT). Pulmonary vein isolation was performed with 28-mm balloon using single 3-minute freeze technique.

Clinical and procedural characteristics were similar between the groups. A shorter distance between left superior PV (LSPV) and left main bronchus (LMB) was associated with hemoptysis (7.8 ± 4.3 mm vs. 12.5 ± 3.5 mm, P < 0.001), whereas no significant difference in the distance between right superior PV (RSPV) and right main bronchus (RMB) was found between groups (11.9 ± 3.5 mm vs. 12.9 ± 4.6 mm, P = 0.089). Additionally, the mean thickness of the connective tissue interposed between RSPV and RMB was significantly thicker than that between LSPV and LMB in both groups (both P < 0.001). A stepwise logistic multivariate analysis identified only the LMB-LSPV distance as an independent predictor of hemoptysis (odd ratio [OR] 2.676; 95% CI 1.121-4.843, P < 0.001). A cutoff value ≤ 9.5 mm predicted hemoptysis after CB ablation with 93.8% sensitivity and 75.0% specificity.

Hemoptysis is a relatively rare event following second-generation CB ablation. The bronchi location obtained from CT aids in identifying high-risk population for the complication.