No abstract

The results of our study showed that CB-A for the treatment of PAF is a feasible and safe procedure in elderly patients, with similar success and complications rates when compared with a younger population.

The learning curve with the second-generation cryoballoon is steep. Inexperienced operators, trained in high-volume centers, can achieve pulmonary vein isolation safely and efficiently with short procedure and fluoroscopy times after having performed 20-30 cases.

The second-generation cryoballoon offers long-term freedom from PAF in 71.5% of treated patients with a single procedure without AADs on a 3-year follow-up period.

The rate of visualisation of real-time recordings is significantly higher during third-generation CB-ST ablation if compared to the second-generation CB-A device. Real-time recordings can be visualised in approximately 85.7 % of veins with this novel cryoballoon.

The rate of visualization of RT recordings is significantly high during third-generation CB-ST ablation. Real-time recordings can be visualized in ∼87.1% of veins with this novel cryoballoon.

The second-generation CB is effective in treating recurrence of AF after a previous ablation performed with conventional RF. Considering a 3-month blanking period, 83% of the patients were free from any atrial tachycardia recurrence during a 15-month follow-up. This approach proved particularly successful in patients affected by paroxysmal AF.

Catheter ablation is a valid therapeutic choice for patients with BS and paroxysmal AF considering the high success rates, the limitations of the AADs and the safety of the procedure, and it should be taken into consideration especially in those patients presenting inappropriate ICD shocks due to rapid AF.