Optimal single procedure strategy of pulmonary vein isolation with cryoballoon or radiofrequency and non-pulmonary vein triggers ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Limited data exist on pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using cryoballoon (CB) or radiofrequency (RF) ablation and additional non-pulmonary vein trigger ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (non-PAF). We aimed to assess the outcomes of first-stage catheter ablation for non-PAF patients. Initial PVI was performed on 734 non-PAF patients (age: 64 ± 10 years; male: 584 (80%)) between September 2014 and June 2018 [315 (43%), CB ablation; 419 (57%), RF catheter]. A logistic regression model was used to match 257 pairs (514 patients) according to the propensity scores (CB or RF group). After PVI, additional non-PV trigger ablation was performed if induced by isoproterenol. We analysed the clinical outcomes of both groups. The mean procedural time was significantly shorter in the CB group (125 [range, 89–165] min) than in the RF group (190 [160–224] min; P