Pulmonary vein isolation using an occluding cryoballoon for circumferential ablation: feasibility, complications, and short-term outcome

Abstract

Balloon cryoablation of the pulmonary veins with additional segmental isolation if necessary, is a good approach for patients presenting with paroxysmal AF, showing a significant reduction in AF burden after a single procedure. The major complication seems to be phrenic nerve paralysis after ablation of the right superior PV, but this is potentially reversible over several months.