Arrhythmias & electrophysiologySecondary analysis
Atrial fibrillation burden and symptom, quality of life, and healthcare resource utilization after cryoballoon ablation in persistent atrial fibrillation
- Secondary analysis of the COOL-PER randomised trial
- multicentre
Authors' conclusion
In early persistent AF, lower AF burden 1-year post-CBA was associated with greater AF-related symptom improvement, significant QoL enhancement, and reduced HCRU during follow-up.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with early persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent cryoballoon ablation (CBA) with continuous monitoring by implantable loop recorder
- Participants
- 130 patients
- Comparison
- Post-CBA AF burden <0.1% vs 0.1 to <10% vs ≥10%
- Primary endpoint
- AF-related symptom improvement (EHRA symptom score), QoL (SF-36) and AF-related healthcare resource utilization by post-CBA AF burden
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Symptom improvement rate (EHRA score)
P < 0.001
Further findings
Distribution of post-CBA AF burden · 9–12 months after CBA
Rhythm control interventions after 90-day blanking period
CV-related hospitalizations or ED visits
- Distribution of post-CBA AF burden — Mean baseline AF burden
- 77 ± 34%
- Rhythm control interventions after 90-day blanking period: P < 0.001
- CV-related hospitalizations or ED visits: P < 0.001
Quality of life (QoL) (SF-36)
- Significant QoL improvement in the <0.1% and 0.1 to <10% groups but not in the ≥10% group
Original publication
Atrial fibrillation burden and symptom, quality of life, and healthcare resource utilization after cryoballoon ablation in persistent atrial fibrillation. Europace. Published 29 August 2025. doi:10.1093/europace/euaf150
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it