Introduction. The value of cryoballoon (CB) ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) has been well established. However, the safety and efficacy of CB ablation in persistent AF (PerAF) are less well known. The aim of the present study was to assess efficacy of CB in PerAF in comparison to RF ablation and to identify predictors of successful CB ablation in PerAF performed in a medium volume centre.Methods. Of 303 AF ablations, 92 (30%) procedures were performed in patients with PerAF: 38 CB (mean age 58±9 years, all first-time procedures) and 54 RF ablations, of which in 18 (33%) patients (mean age 57±12 years) this was the first-time procedure. The patients were prospectively followed (mean 14 ± 7 months) by repeated Holter ECG and outpatient visits.Results. After first-time procedures, recurrences of AF were noted in 15 (40%) patients from the CB group and in 15 (83%)