Cryoballoon atrial fibrillation ablation experience in Japan
1Department of Advanced Arrhythmia Research and Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
Current Opinion in Cardiology
|December 3, 2021
Summary
Cryoballoon ablation for pulmonary vein isolation is widely used in Japan for atrial fibrillation. While effective and safe compared to Europe and the US, unique complications like air embolisms occur.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Technology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Cryoballoon ablation is a widely adopted technology in Japan for pulmonary vein isolation.
- Over 70,000 procedures have been performed since its introduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of cryoballoon ablation in Japan.
- To compare its characteristics with practices in Europe and the United States.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical practices in Japan.
- Comparative analysis with European and US data on cryoballoon ablation.
Main Results:
- Rapid increase in cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation over six years.
- Physicians base indications on preprocedural CT scans and may use adjunctive radiofrequency ablation.
- Overall efficacy and safety are comparable to Europe and the US, but Japan reports distinct complications like air embolisms, gastric hypomotility, and coronary artery spasms.
Conclusions:
- Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation is well-accepted in Japan.
- Reasons for acceptance include low incidence of lethal complications, shorter procedure times, and acceptable single-procedure atrial fibrillation freedom.
