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The Medtronic cryoballoon ablation system for atrial fibrillation (AF) had no competitors until the Boston Scientific balloon became available in 2020 and received FDA approval in 2023. Previous nonrandomized studies have suggested better outcomes with the newer balloon. Now, investigators report findings of the first randomized, head-to-head trial comparing the efficacy and safety of the two cryoballoon systems.
The trial included 201 patients undergoing their first ablation procedure for symptomatic paroxysmal AF. They were randomized to undergo ablation with the Medtronic (Arctic Front) or Boston Scientific (PolarX) system and received an implantable cardiac monitor for continuous rhythm monitoring. The primary endpoint — first recurrence…