Joachim Ehrlich, EHRA 2018 – Cryoablation for Atrial Fibrillation – Efficacy and Ease
Joachim Ehrlich (JW Goethe University, Frankfurt) talks about the second-generation balloons used in single-shot cryoablation techniques and their efficacy over older technologies in atrial fibrillation. He also discusses the advantages of cryoablation over radiofrequency ablation; although, as the FIRE AND ICE trial showed, efficacy is similar between both techniques, cryoablation is easier to use and quicker in treating patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. With the new-generation cryoballoon catheter, the speed of the procedure overall is quicker and success can be monitored online. Dr Ehrlich predicts that, due to the simplicity and ease of the cryoablation procedure, many physicians will be able to treat their patients with this technique.
Filmed at EHRA 2018, Barcelona.
Questions:
1. Please can you describe any recent progress that has been made in single-shot cryoablation techniques? 0:07
2. What are the advantages of cryoablation over radiofrequency ablation and how do they differ in terms of efficacy? 0:36
3. How do the features of the new-generation cryoballoon catheter contribute to its ease of use? 1:07
4. What are the clinical implications of cryoablation and what is the impact on patient outcomes in the real world? 1:34