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The literature data on the outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation AF in women are contradictory. To determine and compare the outcomes and complications of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation cryo-PVI in men vs. We included all consecutive patients having undergone cryo-PVI for the treatment of symptomatic AF in our center since Peri-operative complications were documented.
All patients were prospectively monitored for the recurrence of ATa, and predictors were assessed. A single cryo-PVI procedure for paroxysmal AF was significantly less successful in female patients than in male patients. Overall, the complication rate was higher in women than in men. Keywords: female, atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation PAF , persistent atrial fibrillation, cryoballoon ablation.
Although atrial fibrillation AF is a serious disease in both sexes 1 , some researchers have stated that this condition is a stronger risk factor for cardiovascular disease 2 and death in women than in men 2 , 3. However, women undergo ablation less frequently 4 — 6 —even though they typically have a greater symptom burden 5 — 12 —and are referred to a specialist later in the course of the disease 13 , Some studies 5 , 14 — 21 [but not others 11 , 13 , 22 — 25 ] indicate that women have more complications after radiofrequency ablation.
Furthermore, some researchers argue that the outcome of radiofrequency ablation is worse in women 11 , 14 , 19 , 20 , 26 , 27 , which might dissuade cardiologists from suggesting this procedure. Conversely, other studies did not evidence sex difference in the outcome of radiofrequency ablation 5 , 12 , 13 , 22 — 24 , 28 , Hence, we sought to determine whether sex differences were observed in a large cohort of patients having undergone cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation cryo-PVI for AF.
