Included here is information on the upcoming Heart Rhythm 2023 presentation, "Cryoballoon Ablation for AF with Lead-Free Zero Fluoroscopy Approach Integrating PV Hemodynamics, ICE Imaging, and 3D Mapping," presented by Brandon Doty, BSN, RN, OMS-II.

Transcripts:

Summarize the background and relevance of the topic. What are the take-home messages you would like viewers to leave with? 

Brandon Doty: Cryoablation has been around for a while, but historically, we've always utilized fluoroscopy to complete this procedure. But using fluoroscopy comes with its own issues, whether it be prolonged radiation exposure to the operator and patient, or operators and people in the lab having to wear lead aprons, which comes with possible injuries to the spine with prolonged use. So, efforts were made to pioneer techniques where we didn't have to use fluoroscopy anymore and to find ways to verify placement of the cryoballoon during the procedure. We are outlining a 4-year retrospective analysis of our patients using a technique that was pioneered by my research mentor, Dr. Devi Nair, where she would use a 3-pronged approach using pulmonary vein hemodynamics, intracardiac echocardiography with color flow Doppler, and 3-dimensional mapping. We did a 4-year retrospective analysis of around 430 patients, and we found we were able to use these techniques and we did not increase adverse events or complications. The complication rates were consistent with standards and it did not increase procedure times. As a matter of fact, it maybe shortened them slightly. Also, we did not have increased cryoballoon times and it did not increase left atrial dwell time. So, we were able to do the same procedure without increasing any risk to the patient in any way.

What are you looking forward to at Heart Rhythm 2023?

Brandon Doty: Being a medical student, the thing I always look forward to is being able to make contact with other rising professionals or other early career people. Also, as I've gotten involved with research, it has been fun to be able to meet other pioneers, you know, names that I've heard over the years, and finally get to put a face with a name and meet these people and start to make connections in this profession. That's my favorite part of going to any conference, and I am certainly excited. This is my first time going to HRS, and all I've heard is how big and exciting it is, and so I'm excited to get to do that for the first time.