This symposium is supported by Medtronic
Agenda
00:46: Introduction – Gerhard Hindricks
05:07: The Legacy of Cryoballoon Ablation – Melanie Gunawardene
23:39: Moving Beyond the Hype: Confidence in Pulse Field Ablation – Lucas Boersma
43:54: Discussion and Q&A
Chair: Gerhard Hindricks, Berlin, DE
Faculty: Lucas Boersma, Amsterdam, NL; Melanie Gunawardene, Hamburg, DE
Chaired by Prof Gerhard Hindricks (Berlin, DE), this symposium featured Dr Melanie Gunawardene (Hamburg, DE) and Prof Lucas Boersma (Amsterdam, NL) discussing the role of cryoablation and pulse field ablation (PFA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment. Dr Gunawardene emphasised cryoablation’s established efficacy, safety, and cost efficiency, citing extensive clinical data supporting its use in rhythm control. She highlighted key trials, including EAST-AFNET and FIRE & ICE, demonstrating cryoablation’s reliability in early rhythm control and long-term outcomes. While acknowledging PFA’s rapid adoption, she maintained that cryo remains a proven standard due to its predictable results and well-documented safety profile.
Prof Boersma explored emerging PFA technologies, including PulseSelect and Sphere-9, which enable rapid procedures and selective tissue ablation with a strong safety profile. He highlighted their potential to minimise complications, such as phrenic nerve palsy, but noted the need for further data on long-term durability. The discussion addressed clinical adoption, with polls revealing strong interest in PFA integration. The faculty concluded that while PFA shows promise, cryoablation remains a benchmark, and ongoing advancements in both technologies will continue to shape AF ablation strategies.
