Focal atrial tachycardia originating from the right atrial appendage: first successful cryoballoon isolation

Abstract

Focal atrial tachycardias (AT) can arise from the right atrial appendage (RAA). However, conventional catheter mapping and radiofrequency (RF) ablation inside the RAA is associated with the risk of cardiac perforation. The cryoballoon catheter represents a novel ablation device that was originally developed to facilitate pulmonary vein isolation. This report describes the first successful RAA isolation using a cryoballoon in a patient with an incessant focal RAA AT despite previous irrigated tip endo- and epicardial ablation attempts. Further, cryoballoon ablation targets beyond pulmonary veins may evolve.