Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Long-Term Differences in Autonomic Alterations After Cryoballoon vs Radiofrequency Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors' conclusion
Pulmonary vein isolation using thermal ablation energy results in significant sustained changes in the heart rate parameters related to autonomic function. These changes are independent of the ablation technology employed and are associated with procedural success.
Study context
- Population
- Drug-refractory paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI with thermal ablation, all with a Reveal LINQ implantable cardiac monitor
- Participants
- 346 participants
- Comparison
- Cryoballoon vs radiofrequency ablation; autonomic parameters 2 months before vs 3 years after ablation
- Primary endpoint
- Long-term change in autonomic parameters (HRV, daytime heart rate, nighttime heart rate) recorded by implantable cardiac monitor
- Follow-up
- 3 years following ablation vs 2 months prior
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Change in autonomic parameters after ablation vs baseline · up to 36 months
Decrease in heart rate variability (HRV)
10-20 ms
P < 0.0001
Increase in daytime heart rate
10 beats/min
P < 0.0001
Increase in nighttime heart rate
7 beats/min
P < 0.0001
Further findings
- Greater changes in nighttime heart rate (NHR) and HRV associated with improved freedom from recurrent arrhythmia
Original publication
Long-Term Differences in Autonomic Alterations After Cryoballoon vs Radiofrequency Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. Published 30 October 2024. doi:10.
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