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Aim:The current study aimed to investigate the predictors of recurrence in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing cryoballoon ablation.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted with the participation of the patients who underwent cryoballoon ablation between October 2013 and March 2016. Patients’ medical records were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups as those with AF recurrence and those without AF recurrence.Results:A total of 68 patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 57.3±12 years, and 32% were male. Concomitant conditions included coronary artery disease in 25 patients (36.8%), diabetes mellitus in 9 (13.2%), hypertension in 46 (67.6%), and history of cerebrovascular event in 3 (4.4%). During the early period involving the initial three months, AF recurrence was found in 16 patients (23.5%), while 52 (76.5%) remained in the sinus rhythm during the follow-up. There were significant differences between two groups in left atrium size (38±5.3 and 44±6.6, p=0.003), left atrial appendage (LAA) flow rate [38 (24-62) cm/sec and 28 (22-55) cm/sec, p=0.001], presence of pulmonary venous anomaly [5 (9.6%) and 6 (37.5%), p=0.016], the number of antiarrhythmic drugs before the ablation (1.78±0.7 and 2.43±0.5, p=0.002), interventricular septal thickness (11±1.7 mm and 12±1.47 mm, p=0.008), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (11±0.9 mm and 12±1.3 mm, p=0.007), and left ventricular mass (195±51 g and 181±37.9 g, p=0.028).Conclusion:According to the results, AF recurrence after ablation was found to be associated with the use of multiple antiarrhythmic drugs before the ablation, increased left atrial diameter, the reduced flow rate in the LAA, presence of a pulmonary venous anomaly, increased interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, and left ventricular mass.

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice, is a major cause of stroke. Atrial fibrillation increases morbidity and mortality. Nowadays cryoablation therapy is being performed efficiently and safely worldwide. In this paper the clinical outcomes of the patients whom were treated with cryoablation were discussed. Methods: Between June 2012 and March 2014, patients with paroxysmal AF who were treated with cryoablation were included in the study. The medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were called to receive information about the symptom recurrence. Results: Twelve patients were included in the study. Half of the patients were female. The mean age was 48 ± 15 years. Acute procedural success rate of cryoablation was 100%. In one patient transient right phrenic nerve injury occurred which was returned to normal after discontinuation of cryoablation therapy. One patient developed AF episode for 10 minutes in the 4th month of follow-up period. Conclusion: In patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation cryoablation effectively decrease symptoms consistent with the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidince of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing with the aging societies worldwide. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a popular method of treating patients with AF who are refractory to medical therapy. Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) that may develop after PVI is a well-known, rare but clinically serious complication of PVI. Our aim was to compile the pathophysiology, clinical features and treatment strategies of PVS, which is also common in our country, in light of the literature. Related abstracts were obtained from databases. 27 out of 38 articles meeting the criteria for paper selection were reviewed in depth to identify details of PVS. Pulmonary vein isolation in the treatment of refractory-AF is increasing worldwide. As well as positive results, PVI raises important issues such as the development of PVS. PVS is a relatively new subject for interventional cardiologists. Treatment of Acquired PVS in adults with pulmonary vein stenting is promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]