Radiofrequency catheter ablation of pulmonary vein roots results in axonal degeneration of distal epicardial nerves

Degeneration of remote atrial and ventricular epicardial nerves is evident 2-3 months after epicardial RFA at the PV roots. Such nerves are likely to be non-functional. Therefore, long-term autonomic dysfunction is a potential risk of PV isolation by RFA.