Complications of cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Objectives Good curative effect had been obtained in cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation, and complications should be analyzed in order to improve operation safety. Methods From December 2013 to April 2015, complications were analyzed in 103 patients with atrial fibrillation underwent cryoballoon ablation in Shenyang Northern Hospital. Results In the 103 patients, there were 73 males (70.9%), the mean age was (57.3±9.7)years.Fifty-nine patients (57.3%) had hypertension, and 18 patients (17.5%) had diabetes mellitus.The mean left atrial diameter(LAD) was (35.5±6.9) mm, the mean left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD) was (46.8±4.3) mm, and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 0.65±0.15.Vagal reflex occured in 28 patients (27.2%), and 17(60.7%) was in left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV), 8(25.0%)was in left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV), 2(7.1%) in both LSPV and LIPV, and 1(3.6%) in both LSPV and right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV). Among them, serious vagal reflex occured in 2 patients with sinus arrest and atrioventricular block and right ventricular pacing was used (1 000–1 200 ms). After atropine injection (0.5–1.0 mg), sinus rate appeared 6 mins later.Phrenic nerve palsy occured in 2 patients, 1 was recovered in 15 mins and the other was not recovered at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions Cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation is relatively safe and prevention should be done to avoid complications. Key words: Cryoballoon ablation; Atrial fibrillation; Vagal reflex; Phrenic nerve palsy