The first experience of cryoablation in atrial fibrillation in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered one of the most common arrhythmias in the world, accounting for up to 34% of all heart rhythm disturbances, leading to a deterioration in heart function and an increased risk of systemic embolisms, as well as the development of strokes, making it difficult to overestimate the importance of the problem for the healthcare system [1]. Retrospective analysis of long-term results in a large group of patients showed that AF persists in 96% of patients with preoperative paroxysmal AF [1]. Despite the improvement in hemodynamics, the risk of the appearance or persistence of AF is particularly high if it lasts for more than a year and there is atrial enlargement (left atrial size more than 6.5 cm). Even against the background of regular prophylactic antiarrhythmic therapy, relapses of AF occur in a significant portion of patients after surgical correction of valve defects, and in 50% of patients, a permanent form of AF is established within a year. The presence of atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period worsens the indicators of patient tolerance to physical activity [2].