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Cardioneuroablation for Cardioinhibitory Vasovagal Syncope: Rationale, Approaches, and Its Role in Long-Term Management

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Cardioneuroablation (CNA) has emerged as a potential alternative to pacemaker therapy in well-selected cases with vasovagal syncope (VVS). In recent years, the number of CNA procedures performed by electrophysiologists has considerably risen. However, some important questions, including proper patient selection and long-term results, remain unanswered. The present article aims to critically review and interpret latest scientific evidence for clinical indications and how to approach long-term management.

Recent Findings

CNA is a new approach that has been supported mainly by retrospective or observational data for its use in syncope. Overall, in mixed population studies treated with CNA, 83.3 to 100% have been reported to be free of syncope over follow-up periods of 6 to 52.1 months. For studies including patients who underwent CNA with pure VVS, 73.2 to 100% have been reported to be syncope-free over follow-up periods of 4 to 45.1 months. One large meta-analysis showed 91.9% freedom from syncope after CAN. To date, only one randomized controlled trial with small case number has been performed of CNA compared to non-pharmacological treatment in VVS. In this study of 48 patients with an average of 10 ± 9 spontaneous syncopal episodes prior to study enrollment and 3 ± 2 episodes in the year prior to CNA. After CNA, 92% were free of syncope compared with 46% treated with optimal non-pharmacological treatment to prevent new syncope episodes (P = 0.0004). To date, most studies have included younger patients (< 60 years of age). There are only limited data in patients older than 60, and some studies suggest less of an effect in relatively older patients.

Summary

Cardioneuroablation can be performed to decrease syncope recurrence in adult patients aged < 60 years, with severe or recurrent cardioinhibitory syncope without prodromal symptoms, after proven failure of conventional therapies. Due to a paucity of data supporting efficacy in older individuals or for vasodepressor components, CNA in adult patients aged > 60 years or in the presence of a dominant vasodepressor should be considered investigational in severely symptomatic patients after proven failure of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies.

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Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University Hospital, Istanbul, 34742, Turkey

    Tolga Aksu

  2. Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Mina K. Chung

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T.A. and M.C. wrote the main manuscript text and T.A. prepared figures and tables. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Tolga Aksu.

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Aksu, T., Chung, M.K. Cardioneuroablation for Cardioinhibitory Vasovagal Syncope: Rationale, Approaches, and Its Role in Long-Term Management. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 18, 55–64 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-024-00736-7

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