Seoul, South Korea – A new study published in the Korean Circulation Journal has revealed promising long-term results for cryoablation, a procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). Researchers at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital led by Professor Oh Il-young followed 299 Korean patients with AF for two years after undergoing the procedure.

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder that can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. Cryoablation involves using a balloon cooled to extremely low temperatures to isolate the pulmonary veins, the most common source of abnormal electrical signals in AF.

The study found that 71.9% of patients with paroxysmal AF (AF that comes and goes) and 49.3% of those with persistent AF (AF that is continuous) remained free from AF recurrence for two years following the procedure. Additionally, patients reported a significant improvement in symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness.

Several factors were found to influence the success of cryoablation. Patients who underwent the procedure earlier after their AF diagnosis were more likely to have a successful outcome. The size of the left atrium was also a significant factor, with larger left atria being associated with a higher risk of recurrence.

“This study provides valuable insights into the long-term efficacy of cryoablation for Korean patients with atrial fibrillation,” said Professor Oh. “We hope that these findings will contribute to the development of standardized treatment guidelines for AF in Asia and help improve outcomes for patients.”