title: Cryoablation: how to improve results in atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia ablation?
abstract: Ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia is very effective, with a potential for damage to the normal conduction system. Cryoablation is an alternative, as it allows cryomapping, which permits assessment of slow pathway elimination at innocent freezing temperatures, avoiding permanent damage to the normal conduction system. It is associated with shorter radiation times and the absence of heart block in all published data. We discuss in this overview different approaches of cryoenergy delivery (focusing on spot catheter ablation), and how lesion formation is influenced by catheter tip size, application duration, and freezing rate. Some advantages of cryoenergy are explained. Whether these features also apply for an approach with a cryoballoon, e.g. for atrial fibrillation is unclear.
authors: Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, ErasmusMC, Gravendijkwal 230, CA-3000 Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Bruno
authors: B
authors: Schwagten
authors: Yves
authors: Y
authors: Van Belle
authors: Luc
authors: L
authors: Jordaens
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006327:Heart Block / Q000517:prevention & control; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D013611:Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome