Pericardial effusion in atrial fibrillation ablation: a comparison between cryoballoon and radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation

Abstract

Pericardial effusion occurred in a similar proportion following CBA and RF ablation for AF. Pericardial effusion was mostly mild and asymptomatic, with benign clinical outcome not requiring additional hospitalization days.

Complications in the setting of percutaneous atrial fibrillation ablation using radiofrequency and cryoballoon techniques: A single-center study in a large cohort of patients

“…No significant differences in groin complications were found between RF and CB ablation procedures. Pericardial tamponade in AF ablation has been reported in a range between 0.6 and 3% [8,10,15,26,27]; in our study, the rate of tamponades was lower in the CB group (1.6% vs 0.5%; p = 0.07). The higher incidence of cardiac tamponade in RF ablations might be related both to the conventional double transseptal puncture used to approach the LA and to the essential phase of LA mapping.…”

Optimal contact forces to minimize cardiac perforations before, during, and/or after radiofrequency or cryothermal ablations

“…Interestingly, the presentation of pericardial effusion in RF and cryoablation procedures is not significantly different. 7 Furthermore, patients with AF have been reported to have thinner atrial walls; this likely elicits circumstances that allow for perforations to occur even more readily. 8 Other important factors to consider during these clinical procedures include movements of the heart throughout the cardiac cycle as well as those due to respiration, because these can alter the applications of desired contact forces and provide added challenges for clinicians.…”

Multiple Cardiac Perforations Following Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: Case Report and Literature Reviews

“…It has been reported to be a safe and efficient procedure in appropriately selected patients. 3,4) However, because the complex technique requires trans-septal puncture or extensive manipulation in the thin walled left atrium，some complications may happen (Tables 1 and 2). The overall complication rate after RFCA has been reported from 3.9% to 22%.…”