Key result
Variable-loop PFA catheter achieves 100% acute cavotricuspid isthmus block without complications.
Why the study?
Pulsed field ablation has emerged as the preferred energy source for pulmonary vein isolation, but whether cavotricuspid isthmus ablation can be performed with pulsed field ablation catheters was unclear.
Is cavotricuspid isthmus ablation using a variable-loop pulsed field ablation catheter feasible, efficient, and safe in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation?
Observational (n=23)
No
Is cavotricuspid isthmus ablation using a variable-loop pulsed field ablation catheter feasible, efficient, and safe in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation?
Concomitant cavotricuspid isthmus ablation using a variable-loop pulsed field ablation catheter with prophylactic IV nitroglycerin was feasible and safe in the acute setting, achieving 100% acute block.
Small cohort supports acute PFA CTI ablation success; leaves open durability, safety, and adoption pending larger trials.
Introduction Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation is frequently performed concomitant with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as the preferred energy source for PVI, but it is unclear whether CTI ablation can be performed with PFA catheters. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent PVI and CTI ablation using a variable‐loop PFA catheter for feasibility, efficacy, and safety. Results Twenty‐three patients (mean age 65 years, 57% male) were included in this analysis. Systemic intravenous nitroglycerin was administered to all subjects to prevent vasospasm. Acute CTI block could be documented in all patients at the end of the ablation procedure without complications and with low fluoroscopy exposure. We observed one symptomatic recurrence of possible typical atrial flutter during a mean follow‐up of 218 days. Conclusion CTI ablation using a variable‐loop PFA ablation catheter was feasible, efficient, and safe in the acute setting. Prospective studies with larger patient numbers are needed to evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of this approach.
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Wiederkehr et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (n=23). Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation using a variable-loop pulsed field ablation catheter was evaluated on Acute cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) block without complications. Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation with a variable-loop PFA catheter achieved acute block in 100% (23/23) of patients without complications, with 1 recurrence over 218 days.
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