Rationale and design of the FreezeAF trial: A randomized controlled noninferiority trial comparing isolation of the pulmonary veins with the cryoballoon catheter versus open irrigated radiofrequency ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

The FreezeAF trial will examine for the first time in a randomized trial whether PV isolation with the cryoballoon is not relevantly inferior to open irrigated RF ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation during follow-up. It will additionally directly compare acute procedural success and safety of the procedures.