Conclusions
In this study, the efficacy of cryoballoon ablation for the LAPW, especially at the LA roof was demonstrated. A sufficient success rate of complete conduction block at the LA roof, including the chronic durability of the lesions can be expected. AT recurrence after ablation does not increase in patients who undergo cryoballoon ablation of the LAPW. The recurrence rate of the persistent type of AF after ablation becomes lower when cryoballoon ablation of the LAPW is performed.
The conversion from the persistent to the paroxysmal type after ablation may have various benefits. The risk of stroke or heart failure might be reduced, and complete elimination of AF might be possible after an additional trigger-based ablation. Therefore, the strategy of LAPW ablation could lead to better clinical outcomes after ablation in patients with non-paroxysmal AF who would not benefit from PVI alone. However, identifying suitable candidates for additional LAPW ablation remains to be clarified.
Acknowledgement : We would like to thank Editage (www.editage.com) for English language editing.