Cryoablation

Researchers said a spike in cardiovascular events after the 2016 presidential election was possibly caused by sociopolitical stress. It was the top story in cardiology last week.

“Cryoconvergent” hybrid ablation for atrial fibrillation may significantly reduce risk for recurrent AF and AF burden in patients with persistent AF or long-standing persistent AF, researchers reported.

In a study of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation not previously treated with drug therapy, cryoballoon catheter ablation bested antiarrhythmic drugs in treatment success at 12 months.

Percutaneous cryoablation appeared safe and improved 10-year survival outcomes compared with partial or radical nephrectomy among patients with early-stage renal cell carcinoma, according to study results published in Radiology.

Pulmonary vein isolation with cryoballoon ablation was safe and effective in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation during 12-month follow-up, according to data from the STOP Persistent AF trial.

Prevalence and impact of spontaneous and adenosine-provoked reconnection in atrial fibrillation ablation.

Medtronic announced that the FDA has approved an investigational device exemption trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of a pulsed field ablation system for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation.

The FDA expanded the clearance of a cryoablation technology platform for the treatment of cancerous and benign tumors of the kidney; liver; and ear, nose or throat, according to a press release from the product’s manufacturer.