The Lead Episode 120: A Discussion of High Incidence of Phrenic Nerve Injury in Patients Undergoing Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation LIVE at HRX-A Discussion of High Incidence of Phrenic Nerve Injury in Patients Undergoing Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation LIVE at HRX (Speaker Information)

A Discussion of High Incidence of Phrenic Nerve Injury in Patients Undergoing Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation LIVE at HRX (Speaker Information)

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This live discussion, hosted by Dr. Michael S. Lloyd from Emory University, centers on the article "High Incidence of Phrenic Nerve Injury in Patients Undergoing Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation," published in the Heart Rhythm Journal. The article's authors include Drs. Louis Chéhirlian, Linda Koutbi, Julien Mancini, Jérôme Hourdain, Robin Richard-Vitton, Marie Wilkin, Jean-Claude Deharo, Baptiste Maille, and Frédéric Franceschi. The discussion featured insights from contributors Dr. Birju Rao (Emory University) and Dr. Andrea M. Russo (Cooper University Health Care).<br /><br />The focal point is the reported elevated incidence of phrenic nerve injury during pulsed field ablation (PFA) procedures for atrial fibrillation treatment. PFA is an emerging ablation technique that selectively targets cardiac tissue using electric fields, generally considered to offer safer profiles compared to thermal ablation. However, this study highlights that despite its advantages, there remains a meaningful risk of phrenic nerve damage, which can complicate clinical outcomes.<br /><br />Disclosures were noted for the contributors: Dr. Rao has advisory roles with Boston Scientific and consulting engagements with several medical device companies but no direct conflicts related to this discussion. Dr. Russo receives honoraria and conducts research funded by multiple medical device and pharmaceutical companies and holds royalty income from UpToDate, Inc. Dr. Lloyd’s disclosures were not detailed here.<br /><br />This clinical dialogue aims to dissect the mechanisms, incidence rates, and mitigation strategies related to phrenic nerve injury during PFA, providing an important forum for electrophysiologists to consider procedural risks and improve patient safety. The session thanks all participants for their contributions to advancing knowledge in atrial fibrillation ablation therapies.

Keywords

Phrenic nerve injury

Pulsed field ablation

Atrial fibrillation

Electrophysiology

Heart Rhythm Journal

Dr. Michael S. Lloyd

Dr. Birju Rao

Dr. Andrea M. Russo

Cardiac ablation complications

Patient safety in ablation