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What ’ s atrial fibrillation and how are patients usually treated ? Atrial fibrillation ( A�� is a condition where the upper chambers of the heart , the atria , lose their normal regular electrical rhythm and beat irregularly . This is an endemic cardiac condition , affecting the elderly more than the young .

The aim of treatment consists of strategies to manage A� and prevent a stroke , a consequence of A� . These include medications or procedures to try to restore normal rhythm .

Strategies to prevent stroke consist of treatments in the form of medications or procedures to prevent the formation of blood clots in the atria that may lead to stroke in certain subgroups of patients with A� .

In which cases is cryoablation recommended and is it more effective or safer than heat-based ablation ? Cryoablation is a procedure�based strategy for certain types of patients with A� that tries to maintain a normal heart rhythm . �t uses energy to disrupt certain areas in the atria that act as the focus for A� . The two types of energy that can be used are a heat�based energy known as radiofrequency energy or a cold� based energy known as cryo energy .

Cryo�based energy is usually used in patients with intermittent A� . An operationally simpler procedure , it is as effective and safe as radiofrequency energy .

How does the POLARx Cryoablation System work and what are its advantages compared to previous cryoablation systems ? The �olar� Cryoablation System works by delivering cold energy via a deflatable balloon to certain areas in the left atria that are involved in causing A� . Therefore , �olar� is a cryo energy�based system .

The major difference between �olar� and other balloon� based cold energy systems is in the characteristics of the balloon . The balloon in �olar� is softer and more compliant compared to other balloon�based cold energy systems . The other difference is in the delivery system used to deliver the balloon into the atria . The delivery system in �olar� is more compliant to the operator ’ s movements compared to other balloon� based cold energy systems .

How successful is the procedure in treating atrial fibrillation and what are the risks ? The procedure is successful in maintaining normal rhythm in appro�imately ����� percent of patients with intermittent A� .

�ne risk is that of recurrent A� after the procedure , which happens in appro�imately ����� percent of patients . �ther major risks include strokes , bleeding , and injuries to surrounding anatomical structures around the left atria , such as the esophagus and the veins that carry blood from the lungs to the heart . The cumulative assessment for major risks during the procedure is appro�imately one percent .

Strategies to prevent stroke consist of treatments in the form of medications or procedures to prevent the formation of blood clots in the atria that may lead to stroke in certain subgroups of patients with AF .

GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com JULY 2022

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