Figure 2: In Type-A, the Oesophagus is Located Between the Right and Left Inferior Pulmonary Vein Ostia.

Vagal nerve networks may be widely impaired by CB applications applied at the RIPV (red curve) and LIPV (blue curve) ostia, respectively. In type-B, the oesophagus is located close to the LIPV ostium, but apart from the RIPV ostium. The vagal nerve networks may be partly impaired by CB applications applied at the LIPV (blue curve) ostia, but not all are impaired. On the contrary, the oesophagus gets wedged between the balloon anteriorly and thoracic spinal column or aorta posteriorly, increasing the likelihood of exposure to oesophageal injury. Ao: aorta; CB = cryoballoon; E = oesophagus; LA = left atrium; LIPV = left inferior pulmonary vein; RIPV = right inferior pulmonary vein.