Superior vena cava isolation added to pulmonary vein isolation enhances outcomes in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

objectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding Superior Vena Cava Isolation (SVCI) to Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) in patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).

designSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, supplemented with Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) to assess evidence sufficiency. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) and Web of Science for relevant studies published up to 13 July 2025. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included prospective RCTs comparing SVCI+PVI versus PVI alone in adults with drug-refractory PAF, with at least 3 months of follow-up and reporting on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and procedural complications. Case reports, reviews, observational studies, editorials, expert opinions and non-RCT studies were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two independent reviewers used standardised methods to search, screen and code included studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration and Evidence Project tools. A meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models, and TSA was conducted to evaluate the conclusiveness of evidence. Findings were summarised in GRADE evidence profiles and synthesised qualitatively.

resultsThree RCTs involving 332 patients were included. The addition of SVCI to PVI significantly reduced AF recurrence compared with PVI alone (Risk Ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.91, p=0.02; I² = 0%, P_heterogeneity=0.79) at a mean 12-month follow-up. TSA confirmed that the current evidence is sufficient. There were no significant differences in procedural complications between groups (Risk Difference 0.00, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.03, p=0.99; I² = 0%, P_heterogeneity=0.96).

conclusionsAdding SVCI to PVI for PAF ablation significantly reduces AF recurrence without increasing procedural risks. TSA confirms the robustness of the findings, supporting the potential integration of SVCI into routine clinical practice for PAF.