Abstract

Pulmonary vein isolation using cryoablation technology is routinely performed for rhythm control of atrial fibrillation. Cryoballoon breaches are rare with only 5 double-wall breaches known worldwide. Balloons are designed with a double-layer and a vacuum is maintained between them which is constantly monitored for compromise by the control console. In this report we describe our experience of a single-wall breach, what it enabled us to learn and consider in terms of patient safety during and after an event like this.