Learning curve using the second-generation cryoballoon ablation

Aims: To study the learning curve with the second-generation cryoballoon technology focusing on safety, efficacy and procedural characteristics. Methods: We included 300 patients (men 64.6%, mean age 58.3 ± 12.4 years), 240 of whom were treated by four operators without prior experience in atrial fibrillation ablation and compared them with 60 consecutive patients treated by senior operator. To study the learning curves, we divided the study period into two trimesters and analyzed procedure duration, fluoroscopy times, complications, characteristics of the freeze–thaw cycles and midterm outcomes. Results: Hands-on help from senior operators to achieve pulmonary vein isolation was needed only in the first study trimester (24.1%), most commonly to achieve right inferior pulmonary vein isolation (55.2%). The mean procedure duration shortened from 76.7 ± 17.4 to 65.1 ± 11.4 min (P 
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Tags: Research articles Source Type: research