Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Haemolysis and renal effects across pulsed field ablation systems in atrial fibrillation
Authors' conclusion
In this large cohort, contemporary PFA systems appear safe but catheter design influences the extent of haemolysis, AKI, and myocardial injury.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing pulsed field ablation for AF
- Participants
- 239 patients
- Exposure
- Pentaspline vs balloon-in-basket vs lattice-tip pulsed field ablation (PFA) catheters
- Pentasplinen = 107
- Balloon-in-basketn = 71
- Lattice-tipn = 61
- Outcome
- Laboratory markers of haemolysis, myocardial injury, renal function and haemoglobin
- Follow-up
- Pre- and 24h post-procedure
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Haptoglobin, pre vs post · 24h post-procedure
| Group | Pre | Post | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentaspline | 99.8 mg/dL (70.2-122) | 55.7 mg/dL (23.2-91.8) | P < 0.001 |
| Lattice-tip | P = 0.074 | ||
| Balloon-in-basket | P = 0.201 |
Pre
Pentaspline99.8 mg/dL (70.2-122)
Lattice-tipNot reported in the abstract
Balloon-in-basketNot reported in the abstract
Post
Pentaspline55.7 mg/dL (23.2-91.8)
Lattice-tipNot reported in the abstract
Balloon-in-basketNot reported in the abstract
P
PentasplineP < 0.001
Lattice-tipP = 0.074
Balloon-in-basketP = 0.201
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Myocardial injury markers · 24h post-procedure — Lattice-tip vs Pentaspline · lower with lattice-tip | P < 0.001 |
| Myocardial injury markers · 24h post-procedure — Lattice-tip vs Balloon-in-basket · lower with lattice-tip | P < 0.001 |
| Myocardial injury markers · 24h post-procedure — Pentaspline vs Balloon-in-basket | P = n.s. |
Myocardial injury markers · 24h post-procedure
- Myocardial markers increased in all groups
Safety
AKI · 24h post-procedure
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): P = 0.020
Original publication
Haemolysis and renal effects across pulsed field ablation systems in atrial fibrillation. Europace. Published 30 July 2026. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it