Severe ST-segment elevation and AV block during pulsed-field ablation due to vasospastic angina - a novel observation

J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2024 Apr 23. doi: 10.1007/s10840-024-01813-y. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using non-thermal electroporation represents a promising ablation modality due to its believed superior safety profile. Still, if electroporation is delivered in proximity to a coronary artery, vasospasms can occur. We report the first case of severe right coronary artery vasospasm resulting in ST-segment elevation and AV block despite a remote distance from the ablation site to the right coronary artery, indicating a different mechanism. In this case, electroporation most likely triggered a previously unknown Prinzmetal vasospastic angina in the patient, resulting in the coronary vasospasm. Thus, meticulous monitoring of ST-segment changes following PFA delivery even from regions remote to coronary arteries is required.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Catheter ablation; Coronary vasospasm; Pulsed-field ablation; Variant angina; Vasospastic angina.