Key result
Stepwise cardioneuroablation is linked to 0% syncope recurrence at ~1-year follow-up.
Why the study?
While biatrial approaches for cardioneuroablation in refractory vasovagal syncope are common, the efficacy of a stepwise strategy beginning with right-sided ablation and progressing to the left atrium only if necessary remained incompletely defined.
Does a fragmented electrogram-guided stepwise cardioneuroablation strategy (right-sided first) prevent syncope recurrence and achieve acute denervation in patients with highly refractory vasovagal syncope?
Observational (n=57)
Does a fragmented electrogram-guided stepwise cardioneuroablation strategy (right-sided first) prevent syncope recurrence and achieve acute denervation in patients with highly refractory vasovagal syncope?
A stepwise, right-sided first cardioneuroablation strategy achieves complete freedom from syncope recurrence at 1 year while avoiding left atrial access in over half of patients with refractory vasovagal syncope.
May support right-first stepwise cardioneuroablation in refractory vasovagal syncope; leaves open need for randomized confirmation before practice change.
Background Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is an emerging treatment for refractory vasovagal syncope (VVS). While biatrial approaches are common, the efficacy of a stepwise strategy—beginning with right-sided ablation and progressing to the left atrium only if necessary—remains incompletely defined. Methods We conducted an observational, retrospective registry (2024–2025) of 57 patients (mean age 34.5 ± 16.8 years) with highly refractory cardioinhibitory (VASIS 2A/2B, 77.2%) or mixed (VASIS 1, 22.8%) VVS. All patients had normal intrinsic conduction verified by electrophysiological study and a positive atropine challenge. A fragmented electrogram-guided stepwise CNA was performed. Left-sided ablation was performed exclusively if right-sided ablation failed to meet predefined endpoints (fragmented electrogram elimination, heart rate [HR] increase >25%, and post-ablation atropine response <10%). Results Acute procedural success was achieved in 96.5% of cases. Right-sided ablation alone met denervation criteria in 30 patients (52.6%), while 27 (47.4%) required a subsequent biatrial approach. The requirement for a biatrial approach was not significantly predicted by the predominant rhythm disturbance (sinus slowing vs. AV block). At a mean follow-up of 12.5 ± 6.0 months, there were 0% syncope recurrences. Significant improvements were observed at 6 months in mean HR (59.7 ± 9.9 to 79.6 ± 7.8 bpm; P < 0.001) and in all time- and frequency-domain heart rate variability parameters, confirming sustained parasympathetic withdrawal. Conclusions A stepwise, electrogram-guided CNA is a highly safe and effective therapy for carefully selected patients with functional VVS. Initial right-sided ablation is sufficient in over half of the cases, safely optimizing procedure time and avoiding unnecessary left atrial access without compromising clinical outcomes.
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Guillot et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Refractory vasovagal syncope (VVS) (n=57). Stepwise cardioneuroablation (right-sided first strategy) was evaluated on Syncope recurrence. Stepwise cardioneuroablation achieved 96.5% acute success and 0% syncope recurrence at 12.5 months, with right-sided ablation alone sufficient in 52.6% of cases.
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