Pool analyses indicated that CB ablation was more beneficial in terms of procedural time [ st and ard mean difference = −0.58 ; 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) , −0.85 to −0.30 ] , complications without phrenic nerve injury ( PNI ) [ odds ratio ( OR ) = 0.79 ; 95 % CI , 0.67–0.93 ; I2 = 16 % ] , and recrudescence ( OR = 0.83 ; 95 % CI , 0.70–0.97 ; I2 = 63 % ) for PAF ; however , the total complications of CB was higher than RF .
The subgroup analysis found that , compared with non-contact force radiofrequency ( non-CF-RF ) , both first-generation cryoballoon ( CB1 ) and second-generation cryoballoon ( CB2 ) ablation  could reduce complications with PNI , procedural time , and recrudescence .
However , the safety and efficacy of CB2 was similar to those of CF-RF .
Conclusion Available overall and subgroup data suggested that both CB1 and CB2 were more beneficial than RF ablation , and the main advantages were reflected in comparing them with non-CF-RF .
However , CF-RF and CB2 showed similar clinical benefits
Purpose The present systematic review and meta- analysis aim ed to assess and compare the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ( RF ) and cryoballoon ( CB ) ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ( PAF ) .
RF and CB ablation are two frequently used methods for pulmonary vein isolation in PAF , but which is a better choice for PAF remains uncertain .
Cryoballoon versus RF ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: results from the German Ablation Registry.
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation is used extensively with curative intention in atrial fibrillation .  Radiofrequency ablation has long been a st and ard of care , while cryoballoon technology has emerged as a feasible approach with promising results . Prospect i ve multicenter registry data referring to both ablation technologies in AF ablation therapy are lacking . METHODS Between January 2007 and August 2011 , a total of 3,775 consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF who underwent PV ablation in their respective centers were enrolled . The cohort was divided into 2 groups according to the ablation energy source used : cryoballoon ablation ( group 1 , n = 905 [ 24.0 % ] , median age 63 years , 64.3 % men ) and RF ablation ( group 2 , n = 2870 [ 76.0 % ] , median age 63 years , 62.7 % men ) . Comorbidities and baseline clinical characteristics were similar in both groups . RESULTS Acute success rate was similar in both groups ( 97.5 % in cryo vs 97.6 % in RF ; P = 0.81 ) . Procedure times were similar , ablation and fluoroscopy times were higher in cryoballoon when compared to RF ablation .  Overall complication rate was similar in cryo- ( 4.6 % ) and RF-ablation ( 4.6 % ; P = 1.0 ) . Phrenic nerve palsy was more often in cryo versus RF ablation ( 2.1 % in cryo vs 0.0 % in RF ; P < 0.001 ) . Other complications were more common in RF compared to cryoablation ( 4.6 % in RF vs 2.7 % in cryo ; P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION RF ablation is the most widespread ablation method in Germany , but use of cryoballoon increased significantly . Procedure times were similar , but ablation and fluoroscopy times were longer in cryoballoon ablation . No significant differences were found in terms of acute success and overall complication rate
Pool analyses indicated that CB ablation was more beneficial in terms of procedural time [ st and ard mean difference = −0.58 ; 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) , −0.85 to −0.30 ] , complications without phrenic nerve injury ( PNI ) [ odds ratio ( OR ) = 0.79 ; 95 % CI , 0.67–0.93 ; I2 = 16 % ] , and recrudescence ( OR = 0.83 ; 95 % CI , 0.70–0.97 ; I2 = 63 % ) for PAF ; however , the total complications of CB was higher than RF .
The subgroup analysis found that , compared with non-contact force radiofrequency ( non-CF-RF ) , both first-generation cryoballoon ( CB1 ) and second-generation cryoballoon ( CB2 ) ablation  could reduce complications with PNI , procedural time , and recrudescence .
However , the safety and efficacy of CB2 was similar to those of CF-RF .
Conclusion Available overall and subgroup data suggested that both CB1 and CB2 were more beneficial than RF ablation , and the main advantages were reflected in comparing them with non-CF-RF .
However , CF-RF and CB2 showed similar clinical benefits
Purpose The present systematic review and meta- analysis aim ed to assess and compare the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ( RF ) and cryoballoon ( CB ) ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ( PAF ) .
RF and CB ablation are two frequently used methods for pulmonary vein isolation in PAF , but which is a better choice for PAF remains uncertain .