title: Cryoablation of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 1-2% of the population, and its prevalence is estimated to at least double in the next 50 years as the population ages.
  
  
  
  AF results in impaired quality of life and even increased mortality. Drugs frequently fail to stabilize sinus rhythm.
  
  
  
  Catheter ablation is a valuable treatment alternative, even as a first-line therapy in selected cases. However, catheter ablation of AF is challenging, even for experienced operators.
  
  
  
  Simplification of catheter ablation of AF is essential to decrease the threshold for treatment, broaden the access to the therapy and contribute to further reduction of the disease burden. Single-shot devices, that are easy to navigate in the heart, are an essential element in efforts to reach this goal.
  
  
  
  Cryoenergy is an excellent energy source to combine with a single-shot device, resulting in an excellent safety profile and good clinical results while maintaining its ease of use.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria florian.hintringer@tirol-kliniken.at.
authors: Florian
authors: F
authors: Hintringer
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
keywords: /atrial fibrillation; /catheter ablation; /single-shot device; cryoablation