The Lead Episode 120: A Discussion of High Incidence of Phrenic Nerve Injury in Patients Undergoing PFA for AFib LIVE at HRX

This study examined outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation treated with pulsed field ablation (PFA) and found a notably high incidence of phrenic nerve injury during the procedure. Most injuries were transient, but some persisted beyond the immediate peri-procedural period, raising concerns about long-term safety. The findings highlight the need for refined techniques and monitoring strategies to mitigate phrenic nerve injury risk with PFA.

Please join host Michael S. Lloyd, MD, FHRS as he discusses the finding of this study with his guests Andrea M. Russo, MD, FHRS and Birju Rao, MD, Msci in Atlanta at the HRX Live 2025 conference.

Learning Objective:

• Examine outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation treated with pulsed field ablation (PFA).

Article Authors
Louis Chéhirlian, MD, Linda Koutbi, MD, Julien Mancini, MD, PhD, Jérôme Hourdain, MD, Robin Richard-Vitton, MD, Marie Wilkin, MD, Jean-Claude Deharo, MD, Baptiste Maille, MD, PhD, Frédéric Franceschi, MD, PhD

Podcast Contributors

Michael S. Lloyd, MD, FHRS | Emory University
Andrea M. Russo, MD, FHRS | Cooper University Health Care
Birju Rao, MD, Msci | Emory University

Contributor Disclosure(s):

M. Lloyd:

•Membership on Advisory Committees: Boston Scientific
•Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Medtronic, ArgaMedtech, Circa Scientific

B. Rao

•Nothing relevant to disclose.

A. Russo:

•Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting: Pacemate, Abbott Medical, Medtronic, BiosenseWebster, Inc., AtriCure, Inc., Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Boston Scientific
•Research: Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals
•Royalty Income: UpToDate,Inc.
•Fellowship Support: Medtronic, Inc.

Bonus video of this episode, recorded at HRX Live 2025 in Atalnta, can be found on HRS365 and the HRX Innovation Hub.