Outcomes of atrial fibrillation ablation program based on single-shot techniques

Introduction
Single-shot techniques such as cryoballoon and multipolar phased pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC) are an alternative to the point-by-point radiofrequency method for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, there is a lack of data concerning sequential use of single-shot techniques, that is, for both the index and redo ablation. Aim: To assess long-term outcomes of the ‘single-shot techniques only’ AF ablation strategy.

Material and methods
We analyzed all consecutive AF ablations performed over a 10-year period (2009–2019) in a center where a ‘single-shot technique only’ principle was followed from the start of the AF ablation program. Kaplan-Meier AF-free survival curves were calculated and complications were assessed on the basis of our prospectively maintained database.

Results
A total of 597 patients (62.4 ±12.5 years) with paroxysmal (78.1%) or persistent (21.9%) AF entered the study and 655 AF ablation procedures were performed. In 96.5% of redos (n = 58) a different technique (mostly PVAC) was used than for the index ablation (mostly cryoballoon). The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 1, 2 and 5 years freedom from AF were 78.2%, 69.2%, and 56.0%, for the index ablation, and 80.3%, 76.1% and 68.3%, for the redo, respectively. The minor and major complication rates were 8.1%, and 4.0%, respectively.

Conclusions
An AF ablation program based solely on sequential use of two different single-shot techniques for both index and redo procedures is safe and effective. These observations might have important practical implications for new operators/centers starting AF ablation programs and for use of single-shot techniques for redo procedures.