Use of new liquid nitrogen cryocatheter in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation: clinical experience, mid- and long-term results

Comput Biol Med. 2007 Oct;37(10):1409-13. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2006.11.008. Epub 2007 Feb 20.

Abstract

Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) evolves to less invasive, safer and technically easier procedures mostly due to the electrophysiological studies, technological progress and creativeness in ablation systems construction. We present first clinical experience, mid- and long-term results of AF treatment with new liquid nitrogen cryothermy device for endocardial application. In 26 patients we have proved the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of liquid nitrogen cryocatheter ablation reaching more than 70% of sinus rhythm rate in long follow-up from 3 up to 24 months.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / instrumentation*
  • Catheter Ablation / methods
  • Cryosurgery / instrumentation*
  • Cryosurgery / methods
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nitrogen
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Nitrogen