A case of unintentional superior vena cava isolation and dormant conduction after right superior pulmonary vein pulsed field ablation

HeartRhythm Case Reports 2026 Open access

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Authors: Kazuya Murata, Yasuteru Yamauchi, Hirohumi Arai, Atsuhito Oda, Yuichiro Sagawa, Tetsuo Sasano
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2026.03.028
Cited by: 1
References: 12

Abstract

Previous studies have reported that radiofrequency (RF) ablation, cryoballoon ablation, or pulsed field ablation (PFA), targeting the right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV), may unintentionally lead to isolation of the superior vena cava (SVC).1-3 Several studies have shown that adenosine administration can unmask dormant conduction between the pulmonary veins and left atrium as well as between the SVC and right atrium, after apparent electrical isolation, revealing viable but non-conducting myocardial fibers capable of reconnection.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Vascular anomalies and interventions Cardiac Arrhythmias and Treatments Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
HeartRhythm Case Reports
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
12
Issue
7
Pages
702–706
Publication date
7 April 2026
Language
EN