Right Phrenic Nerve Localization Using CT Scanning: Implications for Radiofrequency Ablation Procedures

The anatomical location of the right phrenic nerve (RPN) in close proximity to the right pulmonary veins has become a critical consideration for electrophysiologists performing pulmonary vein isolation, the cornerstone treatment for atrial fibrillation. Although radiofrequency ablation in this region is rarely associated with complications-unlike cryoballoon ablation-the proximity of the RPN to the ablation site is considered the most widely accepted mechanism of nerve injury. Therefore, accurately defining its anatomical course is essential to prevent complications.

This concern extends to any ablation procedure performed near the RPN, including those targeting the lateral-posterior region of the right atrium, particularly during atrial tachycardia ablation or cardioneuroablation. Several methods have been used to precisely localize the RPN. The most commonly employed technique is phrenic nerve stimulation; however, there is growing interest in the use of computed tomography (CT) to identify structures running parallel to the nerve-such as the pericardiophrenic artery and vein-enhanced with contrast. Three-dimensional reconstruction through image segmentation has proven useful in defining the anatomy of cardiac chambers and adjacent extracardiac structures.

This study aims to compare two approaches for visualizing the course of the right phrenic nerve: one based on computed tomography imaging and the other on the nerve's response to stimulation during the procedure. This comparison will allow us to assess the concordance between imaging findings and intra-procedural observations, ultimately contributing to improved procedural safety.