Long-term clinical outcome following pulmonary vein isolation with high-intensity focused ultrasound balloon catheters in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Patients treated with the first- and second-generation HIFU balloon catheters due to symptomatic PAF show long-term success rates similar to RFC-based PVI procedures. The major determinant of AF recurrence after HIFU treatment seems to be reconduction of previously isolated PVs. However, the favourable effectiveness is offset by the severe complications reported following HIFU treatment. This led to a halt of its clinical use.