Electrophysiological evaluation of incidental superior vena cava isolation following pulsed field ablation: a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is increasingly adopted for atrial fibrillation (AF) due to its efficacy and lower risk of complications. However, uniform transmural energy delivery may induce excessive tissue modification and unintended effects on adjacent structures. Pulsed field ablation of the right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV) can result in conduction delay within the superior vena cava (SVC), but its electrophysiological properties remain poorly characterized.

Case summary

An 81-year-old man with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, chronic heart failure, and paroxysmal AF underwent PFA for pulmonary vein isolation and posterior wall isolation. Pre-ablation mapping revealed myocardial sleeves within the SVC. Post-PFA mapping demonstrated complete SVC isolation. However,

SUBMITTER: Hasegawa S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12903455 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature