Catheter position, success criteria and endpoints of AVNRT ablation are the same for Cryo and RF.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not enough data

Answer: (B)

The approach to AVNRT ablation differs between RF and Cryo even though both aim to eliminate the slow pathway. RF ablation creates a permanent lesion by heating tissue at the chosen site, and the usual endpoint is noninducibility of AVNRT after ablation with preservation of AV nodal function. Cryo ablation adds a reversible testing step: you can perform cryomapping at a safe, non–permanent temperature to see if the site will produce the desired effect without harming the AV node, and only then deliver a permanent cryolesion. The catheter’s ability to adhere to tissue during freezing gives greater stability in Cryo, which can influence where and how you apply energy.

Because Cryo allows this reversible testing and has different durability and safety considerations near the AV node, the catheter position strategy and the criteria for success/endpoints are not exactly the same as with RF. Therefore, the statement that they are the same is not accurate.