Hospital Newsletter Article/Blog Post: Arctic Front Advance® ST CryoAblation System

[Institution] First in [City] to Treat Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Latest Freezing Technology

Arctic Front Advance ST Cryoballoon Efficiently Treats Common Heart Rhythm Disorder

Physicians at [institution] are among the first in [city/state] to use the latest Arctic Front Advance® ST Cryoballoon to treat patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation. The innovative technology works by freezing heart tissue to interrupt the abnormal electrical signals that cause this irregular heartbeat. Building upon the proven safety and efficacy of previous generations[1], the latest cryoballoon technology is an effective treatment for this common, yet serious, heart rhythm disorder.

The Arctic Front Advance ST catheter is the leading cryoballoon system approved in the U.S. to treat drug refractory, symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Nearly 90 percent of patients achieved freedom from AF at one year, and 85 percent were free from AF, symptomatic atrial flutter and atrial tachycardia, as seen in a recent analysis.[2]

Treatment with the Arctic Front Advance system involves a minimally invasive procedure that isolates the pulmonary veins using coolant rather than heat, using the new Arctic Front Advance ST Cryoablation Catheter. The cryoballoon has a 40 percent shorter tip than the previous generation. The system is designed to help physicians visualize ablation success in real-time and increase maneuverability for accessing some patient anatomies. The cryoballoon technology has been associated with faster procedure times than point-by-point radiofrequency ablation.[3],[4]

(Draft physician quote for consideration) “With this advanced cryoballoon technology, patients have access to an efficient treatment for atrial fibrillation that has demonstrated clinical benefits. Building on the strong safety profile of the previous balloons, this next-generation cryoballoon may offer enhanced flexibility for physicians during tailored treatment,” said [name, title, affiliation].

[Insert relevant patient details, in accordance with local privacy laws, and additional physician comments on patient as appropriate.]

Atrial fibrillation is the most common and one of the most undertreated heart rhythm disorders, affecting more than 33.5 million people worldwide.[5] It is estimated that half of all diagnosed atrial fibrillation patients fail drug therapy,[6] and if left untreated, patients have up to a five times higher risk of stroke and an increased chance of developing heart failure.[7]

To date, the Arctic Front Advance System has been used to treat more than 130,000 patients in over 1,000 centers in more than 50 countries.

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[Include photo of patient and doctor.]

Packer DL, Kowal RC, Wheelan KR, et al. Cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: first results of the North American Arctic Front (STOP AF) pivotal trial. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. April 23, 2013.61(16)1713-1723.

2 Knight BP, Novak PG, Sangrigoli R, et al. 12-Month Clinical Outcomes Following Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) Using the Arctic Front Advance® Cryoballoon: Interim Results from the STOP-AF Post Approval Study. [Abstract] HRS May 2015.

3 Kojodjojo P, O'Neill MD, Lim PB, et al. Pulmonary venous isolation by antral ablation with a large cryoballoon for treatment of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation: medium-term outcomes and non-randomised comparison with pulmonary venous isolation by radiofrequency ablation. Heart. 2010; 96(17):1379-1384.

4 Sorgente A, Chierchia GB, Capulzini L, et al. Atrial fibrillation ablation: a single center comparison between remote magnetic navigation, cryoballoon and conventional manual pulmonary vein isolation. Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Journal. 2010:10(11):486-495.

5 Chugh S, Havmoeller R, Narayanan K, et al. Worldwide epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: a global burden of disease 2010 study. Circulation. 2014; 129:837-847.

6 Wyse, et al. Circulation. 1996; 93:1262-127.

7 Fuster, et al. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2006; 48:854-906.

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