Cardioneuroablation

If you have a slow heart rhythm disorder or syncope (fainting), your provider may consider you for cardioneuroablation.

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If you have a disorder related to excessive autonomic (involuntary) nervous system activity, including heart rhythm disorders like bradycardia (slow heart rate) and/or recurrent syncope (fainting), it can be hard to find treatment options that can provide long-term relief.

At University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center, our cardiac electrophysiologists provide the latest treatments. We’re the only care team in Iowa to offer cardioneuroablation, a new treatment option for patients with vasovagal syncope (fainting due to low blood pressure) with slow heart rate, that do not respond well to standard medication.

Cardioneuroablation is a procedure that locates and modifies specific nerves near the heart and disrupts the neural pathways that cause abnormal regulation of involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, respiration, and body temperature.

Unlike implantable devices like pacemakers, cardioneuroablation is a one-time procedure. Performed in our state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab using the latest technologies, this minimally invasive treatment can relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

How cardioneuroablation works

If your autonomic nervous system is imbalanced or overactive, you may experience an abnormal regulation of your basic bodily functions that can disrupt your daily life.

Cardioneuroablation treats excessive nervous system activity by disrupting the abnormal autonomic nerve signals near the heart. This is completed under general anesthesia by inserting small, flexible catheters into the blood vessels near the groin area. They will be carefully led through the blood vessels to the heart.

Once there, the electrophysiologist uses specialized techniques to map the precise location of the nerve fibers responsible for the abnormal signals. After they have located the nerves, they will ablate (destroy) or modify the targeted nerves to prevent them from sending out abnormal signals. They will also perform tests during the procedure to verify the effectiveness of the cardioneuroblation.

What to expect after your cardioneuroablation

After the procedure, you may receive an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or other tests to further evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. You will also be asked to schedule several follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any adjustments to the treatment plan, as needed.

Most people will need to remain in the hospital for a short amount of time (several hours to a couple of days, depending on the individual) after undergoing cardioneuroablation.

You may experience mild symptoms in the days following the procedure, including aching pain or discomfort in your chest, or bruising near where the catheter was inserted. You should be able to return to your normal activities within a few days of the procedure.

Your provider may also prescribe medications or limit your physical activity based on your individual needs. It’s important to follow all instructions from your doctor to encourage a full recovery.

Who can benefit from cardioneuroablation?

Cardioneuroblation is recommended for adult patients under age 50 who have one of the following conditions:

Bradycardia (slow heart rhythm) or other forms of arrhythmias associated with autonomic imbalance
Neurocardiogenic or vasovagal syncope

Cardioneuroablation is a specialized procedure that is most often considered if you have not responded well to other standard treatments. You will undergo an individualized assessment to determine if cardioneuroablation is right for you.