Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and the prevalence is increasing every year. Patients who fail to maintain sinus rhythm with use of anti-arrhythmic drug therapy are referred for catheter ablation. Cryoballoon (CB) ablation has emerged as an effective and alternative treatment option to traditional point-by-point radiofrequency ablation, but there can be complications. This article reviews the incidence, presentation, risk factors, management and preventative strategies of three major complications associated with CB ablation: phrenic nerve injury, atrial oesophageal fistula and bronchial injury. Although these complications are rare, electrophysiologists should institute measures to identify high-risk patients, implement best-practice techniques to minimise risks and maintain a high index of suspicion to recognise the complications quickly and implement correct treatment strategies.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 18-23 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Review |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2018 |
Keywords
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrio-oesophageal fistula
- Bronchial injury
- Catheter ablation
- Cryoablation
- Cryoballoon
- Dosing
- Phrenic nerve injury
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Physiology (medical)