Parasympathetic Denervation
Ablation-induced destruction of vagal nerve fibers within cardiac tissue, particularly around pulmonary vein ostia.
Full Definition
The inadvertent or intentional destruction of parasympathetic nerve fibers during cardiac ablation procedures, most commonly occurring during pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation. These nerve fibers, particularly ganglionated plexi located near the pulmonary vein ostia, play important roles in cardiac autonomic regulation. Parasympathetic denervation can be identified during procedures by the elimination of vagal responses to high-frequency stimulation or adenosine testing. While denervation may contribute to procedural success by reducing triggers for atrial fibrillation, it can also have implications for long-term autonomic balance and heart rate variability.
In Context
- "Parasympathetic denervation was confirmed by loss of vagal response during high-frequency stimulation at the left superior pulmonary vein." — AF ablation report
- "The protocol includes assessment for parasympathetic denervation using adenosine testing before and after ablation." — Research methodology