Arrhythmias & electrophysiology

Cardioneuroablation for Ictal Asystole: A Multicenter Case Series

JACC Clin ElectrophysiolPublished retrospective multicenter study

Authors' conclusion

In patients with ictal asystole, biatrial CNA appears to be safe and may substantially reduce syncope burden, although repeated ablation or permanent pacing may be required. Prospective studies are needed to better define efficacy and long-term outcomes.

Study context

Population
Adult patients who underwent cardioneuroablation (CNA) for ictal asystole (≥4 s) from 2017 to 2025patients included
Participants
12 patients
Outcome
Sinus rate increase ≥25% after CNA
Follow-up
After CNA
Methodological details6 international centers
  • 6 international centers

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Patients with sinus rate increased by ≥25%

10 of 12

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

Blunted atropine response · After CNA

Patients with blunted atropine response
9 of 12

Freedom from ictal asystole · median follow-up of 20.5 months

Patients free from ictal asystole
8 of 12

Recurrent syncope and repeated CNA · 2 to 15 months

Patients with recurrent syncope who underwent repeated CNA
Four
Of those, achieving durable freedom from syncope
one

Pacemaker implant

Patients ultimately requiring a pacemaker implant
Two

Baseline and procedural characteristics

Age
39 ± 9 years
Female
50%
Focal impaired-awareness seizures
9/12
Mean asystole
16 ± 8 s
Median number of syncopal events
7
Under conscious sedation
75%
Right superior GP ablated
12 of 12
Right inferior GP ablated
10 of 12
Left inferior GP ablated
9 of 12
  • All patients exhibited sinus arrest during the events

Safety

No procedural complications occurred

Original publication

Cardioneuroablation for Ictal Asystole: A Multicenter Case Series. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. Published 23 April 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jacep.2026.04.002

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