Cryoballoon Ablation Matches Radiofrequency in Treating Persistent Atrial Fibrillation, Study Finds

A recent multicenter randomized study, the CRRF-PeAF trial, has found that cryoballoon ablation is just as effective and safe as radiofrequency ablation in treating patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. The study involved 500 adult participants across 12 centers, with a median age of 69, who were randomly assigned to undergo either cryoballoon or radiofrequency ablation. The primary focus was on the occurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias within one year post-procedure, excluding a 90-day blanking period. Results showed similar rates of arrhythmia recurrence: 22.5% in the cryoballoon group and 23.2% in the radiofrequency group, demonstrating non-inferiority of the cryoballoon method. Additionally, while both techniques effectively stabilized heart rhythm, the radiofrequency approach resulted in a greater reduction in left atrial volume after one year. These findings suggest that cryoballoon ablation can be confidently offered as an alternative to radiofrequency ablation for managing persistent atrial fibrillation, with comparable safety and efficacy profiles. The observed differences in atrial remodeling may require further investigation to assess long-term implications for h...