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Introduction: Creation of radiofrequency lesions to isolate the pulmonary veins (PV) and ablate atrial fibrillation (AF) has been complicated by stenosis of the PVs. We tested a cryoballoon technology that can create electrical isolation of the PVs, with the hypothesis that cryoenergy will not result in PV stenosis. Methods and Results: Lesions were created in 9 dogs (weight 31–37 kg). Cryoenergy was applied to the PV‐left atrial (LA) interface. Data collected before and after ablation included PV orifice size, arrhythmia inducibility, electrogram activity, and pacing threshold in the PVs. Tissue examination was performed immediately after ablation in 3 dogs and after 3 months (4.8 ± 1.0) in 6 dogs. After ablation there was no localized P wave activity in the ablation zone and no LA‐PV conduction. Before ablation, the pacing threshold was 1.9 ± 1.1 mA in each PV. After ablation, the pacing threshold increased significantly to 7.2 ± 1.8 mA , or capture was not possible. Burst pacing did not induce any sustained arrhythmias. Most dogs had hemoptysis during the first 24 to 48 hours. Acute tissue examination revealed hemorrhagic injury of the atrial‐PV junction that extended into the lung parenchyma. After recovery, the lesions were circumferential and soft with no PV stenosis. Histologic examination revealed fibrous tissue with no PV‐LA interface thickening. Conclusion: This new cryoballoon technology effectively isolates the PVs from LA tissue. No PV stenosis was noted. Acute tissue hemorrhage and hemoptysis are short‐term complications of this procedure. After 3 months of recovery, cryoablated tissue exhibits no collagen or cartilage formation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 281‐286, March 2003)

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The creation of linear lesions with the loop catheter does not result in LA expansion. In normal dogs, LA mechanical activity is reduced for 3 weeks postablation. The time course of LA mechanical function recovery is the same for the AF and the NSR dogs, and it is complete at 3 months postablation. At 5 months, LA systolic function parameters in both groups are reduced by 24% versus the preablation values of the normal dogs. Linear lesions result in a significant reduction in LA size.

In this animal model of AF, LL are not only capable of terminating chronic AF, but also lead to self-termination of AF once the rapid pacing is stopped. Self-termination of AF after induction with rapid pacing was not observed in this AF model in the absence of LL. In the dogs with 6 months of AF, the presence of AF led to increased atrial susceptibility to AF induction by rapid pacing, even with LL and after 6 months of recovery. Incomplete LL allows induction of atrial tachycardia and AF.