Characterization of Phrenic Nerve Response to Pulsed Field Ablation.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2022

Publication Title

Circulation. Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Phrenic nerve palsy is a well-known complication of cardiac ablation, resulting from the application of direct thermal energy. Emerging pulsed field ablation (PFA) may reduce the risk of phrenic nerve injury but has not been well characterized.

METHODS: Accelerometers and continuous pacing were used during PFA deliveries in a porcine model. Acute dose response was established in a first experimental phase with ascending PFA intensity delivered to the phrenic nerve (n=12). In a second phase, nerves were targeted with a single ablation level to observe the effect of repetitive ablations on nerve function (n=4). A third chronic phase characterized assessed histopathology of nerves adjacent to ablated cardiac tissue (n=6).

RESULTS: Acutely, we observed a dose-dependent response in phrenic nerve function including reversible stunning (R

CONCLUSIONS: Proximity of the catheter to the phrenic nerve and the PFA dose level were critical for phrenic nerve response. Gross and histopathologic evaluation of phrenic nerves and diaphragms at a chronic time point yielded no injury. These results provide a basis for understanding the susceptibility and recovery of phrenic nerves in response to PFA and a need for appropriate caution in moving beyond animal models.

Volume

15

Issue

6

First Page

010127

Last Page

010127

DOI

10.1161/CIRCEP.121.010127

ISSN

1941-3084

PubMed ID

35649121

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS