Atrial fibrillation ablation in the era of cryoballoon and force-sensing catheters: freeze or burn?

OPINION STATEMENT: Atrial fibrillation can adversely affect the quality of life for many patients. Though antiarrhythmic drug therapy remains an option for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, the drugs are associated with numerous side effects. Atrial fibrillation ablation has been shown to be as efficacious as antiarrhythmic drug therapy. The field of atrial fibrillation ablations has evolved over time from utilizing radiofrequency energy to using cryoenergy. Newer technologies are being developed with efforts to improve outcomes in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablations. This article will highlight two such technologies: cryoballoon ablation catheters and contact force-sensing catheters. These novel catheters appear to be further revolutionizing this young field in electrophysiology.