Repeat procedures for recurrent persistent atrial fibrillation: A propensity-matched score comparison between left atrial linear ablation with radiofrequency and posterior wall isolation with the cryoballoon.

Aims To evaluate the clinical outcome in patients undergoing repeat procedures for recurrent persistent atrial fibrillation following an index cryoballoon (CB-A) pulmonary vein isolation ablation on a mid-term follow-up of 12 months. Methods In this propensity score-matched comparison, 50 patients undergoing left atrial posterior wall isolation (LAPWI) with the CB-A were matched to 50 patients treated with additional linear ablation using radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Results Meantime to repeat the procedure was 9.74 ± 4.36 months. At 12 months follow-up freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATas) was achieved in 82% of patients in the LAPWI group and in 62% of patients in the linear ablation group (P = .03). Regression analysis demonstrated that relapses during the blanking period and LA dimensions were independent predictors of ATas recurrences following the repeat procedure. Conclusion LAPWI using CB-A is associated with a significantly higher freedom from atrial arrhythmias when compared with the RFCA mediated left atrial linear lesions on a mid-term follow-up of 12 months in patients with persAF undergoing a redo procedure.