Cryoballoon ablation bests antiarrhythmics as initial therapy in paroxysmal AF: NEJM

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2020-12-18 09:30 GMT | Update On 2020-12-18 09:31 GMT

Researchers have found in a new study that as initial therapy for paroxysmal Atrial fibrillation, cryoballoon ablation bested antiarrhythmics for recurrence prevention in 2 randomized trials, EARLY-AF and STOP AF.

The researchers randomly assigned 303 patients with symptomatic, paroxysmal, untreated atrial fibrillation to undergo catheter ablation with a cryothermy balloon or to receive antiarrhythmic drug therapy for initial rhythm control. All the patients received an implantable cardiac monitoring device to detect atrial tachyarrhythmia.

The follow-up period was 12 months. The primary end point was the first documented recurrence of any atrial tachyarrhythmia (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia) between 91 and 365 days after catheter ablation or the initiation of an antiarrhythmic drug whereas, the secondary end points included freedom from symptomatic arrhythmia, the atrial fibrillation burden, and quality of life, describes Andrade.

The investigators observed the following results-

a. At 1 year, a recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia had occurred in 66 of 154 patients (42.9%) assigned to undergo ablation and in 101 of 149 patients (67.8%) assigned to receive antiarrhythmic therapy.

b. Symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia had recurred in 11.0% of the patients who underwent ablation and in 26.2% of those who received antiarrhythmic drugs.

c. The median percentage of time in atrial fibrillation was 0% with ablation and 0.13% with antiarrhythmic drugs.

d. Serious adverse events occurred in 5 patients (3.2%) who underwent ablation and in 6 patients (4.0%) who received antiarrhythmic drugs.

Hence, it was concluded that "among patients receiving initial treatment for symptomatic, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, there was a significantly lower rate of atrial fibrillation recurrence with catheter cryoballoon ablation than with antiarrhythmic drug therapy, as assessed by continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring."

For further reference log on to:

Andrade JG, Wells GA, Deyell MW, Bennett M, Essebag V, Champagne J, Roux JF, Yung D, Skanes A, Khaykin Y, Morillo C, Jolly U, Novak P, Lockwood E, Amit G, Angaran P, Sapp J, Wardell S, Lauck S, Macle L, Verma A; EARLY-AF Investigators. Cryoablation or Drug Therapy for Initial Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2020 Nov 16. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2029980. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33197159.

Article Source : New England Journal of Medicine

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Dr. Nandita Mohan

Dr. Nandita Mohan is a practicing pediatric dentist with more than 5 years of clinical work experience. Along with this, she is equally interested in keeping herself up to date about the latest developments in the field of medicine and dentistry which is the driving force for her to be in association with Medical Dialogues. She also has her name attached with many publications; both national and international. She has pursued her BDS from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore and later went to enter her dream specialty (MDS) in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry from Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences. Through all the years of experience, her core interest in learning something new has never stopped. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Cryoballoon ablation bests antiarrhythmics as initial therapy in paroxysmal AF: NEJM

Similar News

Dapagliflozin reduced mortality risk in aortic stenosis patients undergoing TAVI: Study

New Tool Can Calculate Heart Age and Reveal Hidden Cardiovascular Risks: JAMA

Non-Invasive Saliva Test May Detect Early Signs of Diabetes and Obesity: Study Finds

Tirzepatide Matches dulaglutide in Heart Protection, Offers Added Benefits in SURPASS-CVOT trial

Subclinical Primary Aldosteronism Raises Risk of MACE Even With Normal BP, Suggests Study

Brisk Walking Just 15 Minutes a Day May Cut Death Risk by 20 Percent: Study Finds

Kidney Injury Significantly Increases Hypertension Risk, Study Finds

Medical Bulletin 31/July/2025