New heart procedure could be safer and just as effective for AFib

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation documented on a 12 lead ECG or Holter monitor (lasting ≥30 seconds) within the last 24 months. According to current guidelines, paroxysmal is defined as any AF that converts to sinus rhythm within 7 days either spontaneously or by pharmacological or electrical cardioversion * Candidate for ablation based on current AF guidelines * Continuous anticoagulation with Vitamin-K-Antagonists or a novel oral anticoagulant for ≥4 weeks prior to the ablation; or a transesophageal echocardiography and/or computer tomography that excludes left atrial (LA) thrombus ≤48 hours before ablation * Age of 18 years or older on the date of consent * Informed Consent as documented by signature Exclusion Criteria: * Previous left atrial (LA) ablation or LA surgery * AF due to reversible causes (e.g. hyperthyroidism, cardiothoracic surgery) * Intracardiac thrombus * Pre-existing pulmonary vein stenosis or PV stent * Pre-existing hemidiaphragmatic paralysis * Contraindication to anticoagulation or radiocontrast materials * Prior mitral valve surgery * Severe mitral regurgitation or moderate/severe mitral stenosis * Myocardial infarction during the 3-month period preceding the consent date * Ongoing triple therapy * Cardiac surgery during the three-month interval preceding the consent date or scheduled cardiac surgery/TAVI procedure * Significant congenital heart defect (including atrial septal defects or PV abnormalities but not including PFO) * NYHA class III or IV congestive heart failure * Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \<35% * Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (wall thickness \>1.5 cm) * Significant chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR \<30 ml/min) * Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism * Cerebral ischemic event (stroke or TIA) during the six-month interval preceding the consent date * Ongoing systemic infections * History of cryoglobulinemia * Cardiac amyloidosis * Pregnancy * Life expectancy less than one (1) year per physician opinion * Currently participating in any other clinical trial, which may confound the results of this trial. * Unwilling or unable to comply fully with study procedures and follow-up.