# Transient sinoatrial node dysfunction after pulsed-field pulmonary vein ablation: an image case report

**Authors:** Enyuan Zhang, Le He, Henan Zhang, Jing Xu, Fengmin Lu, Dongyan Wu, Yitong Yin, Wei Ma

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2026.1745619 · Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine · 2026-01-29

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare instance of temporary sinoatrial node dysfunction following a pulsed-field ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation.

## Contribution

The paper presents the first documented case of transient sinoatrial node dysfunction after pulmonary vein pulsed-field ablation.

## Key findings

- A 62-year-old patient experienced transient sinoatrial block after right superior pulmonary vein ablation.
- The sinoatrial disturbance resolved completely within six hours post-procedure.
- The case suggests caution with the use of the 8-polar circular PFA catheter.

## Abstract

Pulmonary vein pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is widely regarded as a safe procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), with sinoatrial disturbances as a rare complication. A 62-year-old female patient with paroxysmal AF underwent ablation using an 8-polar circular PFA catheter. During pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of the right superior pulmonary vein, an intermittent increase in sinus rate was noted. Recurrent sinoatrial block was observed shortly after the procedure but resolved completely within six hours. This report presents the first documented case of transient sinoatrial node dysfunction as a complication of pulmonary vein PFA. Although the underlying mechanism—whether singular or multifactorial—remains unconfirmed, this case highlights the need for caution when utilizing the 8-polar circular PFA catheter.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** atrial fibrillation (MONDO:0004981)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** AF (MESH:D001281), sinoatrial block (MESH:D012848)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12894261/full.md

## References

15 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12894261/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12894261