Permanent Heart Block Complicating Pulsed-Field Ablation of the Cavotricuspid Isthmus
Yuan Gao1, Zhiyong Qi1, Jiaxiong Lin1
1Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Insights
Pulsed-field ablation for cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation is generally safe. However, this case highlights a rare complication: irreversible heart block requiring pacemaker implantation after CTI ablation.
Area of Science:
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation using pulsed-field (PF) catheters is a feasible and safe procedure.
- Irreversible heart block has not been previously documented as a complication of CTI ablation.
Background:
Recent studies have confirmed the feasibility and safety of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation using either a pentaspline or a focal monopolar pulsed-field ablation catheter. However, no documented cases have reported irreversible heart block as a potential complication.
Case Summary:
A 62-year-old woman with persistent atrial fibrillation underwent CTI ablation using a pentaspline pulsed-field catheter after pulmonary vein isolation. Immediately postablation, third-degree atrioventricular block occurred, transiently recovering to 2:1 block before reverting to complete heart block. A permanent pacemaker was subsequently implanted given irreversible conduction impairment.
Discussion:
We report to our knowledge the first case of irreversible heart block after CTI ablation using a pentaspline pulsed-field ablation catheter, necessitating permanent pacemaker implantation after 13 hours of observation. This case underscores the need for caution when employing this technology for CTI ablation.
Take-Home Message:
Irreversible heart block is a novel, albeit rare, complication of CTI ablation with a pentaspline pulsed-field catheter.
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