Radiation exposure in cryoballoon ablation compared to catheter ablation with 3D-electroanatomic mapping in AF patients

Abstract

he present study was done to compare radiation exposure to patients and staff during cryoballoon ablation compared to 3D-electro-anatomic mapping catheter ablation in AF patients to compare their effectiveness in reducing radiation exposure to patients and medical staff. The study conducted on 30 patients referred to AF ablation from electrophysiology clinic in the Cardiology department at Ain-Shams University Hospitals. All patients subjected to full history, 12-lead electrogram, echocardiogram, electrophysiological study after a written informed consent then ablation of the pulmonary vein potentials either by 3D mapping system or cryoballon. Procedure duration and fluoroscopy time were collected and analysed. Radiation exposure to the patients were measured by placing thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) along edges of the cardiac silhouette and cover the entire region facing the fluoroscopy source and for operators by using TLD badge under the aprons. TLD readings analyzed at external independent lab. Our results showed there was statistically significant higher procedure time with 3D mapping ablation group compared to cryoballoon ablation group, but showed no statistically significant between the two group regarding fluoro-time.