title: Nonfluoroscopic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using Cryoballoon.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The conventional method of cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation involves the use of fluoroscopy for visual guidance. The use of fluoroscopy is accompanied by significant radiation risks to the patient and the medical staff. Herein, we report our experience in performing successful nonfluoroscopic pulmonary vein isolation using cryoballoon ablation in 5 consecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five consecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent cryoballoon ablation for pulmonary vein isolation using a nonfluoroscopic approach. Pre-procedural cardiac computed tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was not performed in any patient. A total of twenty pulmonary veins were identified and successfully isolated (100%) with the guidance of intracardiac echocardiography and 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping. No fluoroscopy was used for the procedures. There were no major procedural adverse events.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In an unselected group of patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation, a nonfluoroscopic approach is feasible and can be performed safely and effectively while eliminating the risks associated with radiation to both the patient and the medical staff.
authors.affiliation: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 West Wellington Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Mansour
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Razminia
authors.affiliation: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 West Wellington Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Hany
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Demo
authors.affiliation: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 West Wellington Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Arrieta-Garcia
authors.affiliation: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 West Wellington Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Oliver J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: D'Silva
authors.affiliation: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 West Wellington Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Theodore
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 West Wellington Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Kehoe