Mayo Clinic's Cardioneuroablation: A Life-Altering Heart Procedure for Patients

Brenda, once an active 53-year-old, faced an alarming series of fainting episodes starting in 2021. Describing her experiences, she recalls feeling dizzy and nauseated, with her husband, John, resorting to a routine of cold compresses and bucket-fetching. Despite these alarming symptoms, Brenda brushed them off to work stress or heat-related issues—until a seemingly ordinary run in 2023 marked a turning point when she fainted and was unable to get back up, prompting an ambulance call.

Following her hurried hospital visit, extensive testing revealed fluctuations in her heart rate corresponding with her fainting spells. This led to the implantation of a pacemaker, designed to maintain her heart's rhythm. However, Brenda’s symptoms persisted: fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, and inflammatory reactions tormented her daily life. Desperate for answers, she engaged in various remedies, abandoned air travel, and swallowed a staggering number of medications—yet, relief remained elusive.

Brenda's ongoing struggles propelled her to seek a second opinion. A nurse practitioner, concerned by the unchanging narrative of "your heart is fine," suggested she visit the Mayo Clinic. This recommendation resulted in a 10-hour drive to Rochester, Minnesota, where Brenda's hopes for a definitive solution began to take shape.

Identifying the Underlying Issue

By September 2025, Brenda met Dr. Guru Kowlgi at Mayo Clinic, a cardiologist known for tackling complex cardiac conditions. She entered the consultation with low expectations, ready for yet another round of reassurances that she was "fine." Instead, Dr. Kowlgi delivered a powerful message: "We know exactly what the issue is, and we have a plan to solve it." This welcome revelation came with a diagnosis of vasovagal syncope, a condition characterized by fainting episodes triggered by abrupt drops in heart rate and blood pressure.

Dr. Kowlgi explained that while pacemakers can manage some symptoms of vasovagal syncope, they don’t address the root cause, which can leave patients with persistent lightheadedness and an impaired quality of life. The solution, he proposed, was a specialized procedure called cardioneuroablation, a groundbreaking approach that targets problematic nerve activity contributing to the condition.

Cardioneuroablation: A Targeted Solution

This innovative procedure, first performed by Dr. Kowlgi at Mayo Clinic in 2022, employs catheterization techniques used in traditional cardiac ablation. The idea is to pinpoint and deactivate the nerve cells that contribute to the erratic reflex leading to fainting episodes. "It’s akin to recalibrating," Dr. Kowlgi noted, aiming to normalize the heightened vagus nerve activity.

In October 2025, Brenda became one of the first patients to undergo this procedure while having a pre-existing pacemaker. The results were swift and impactful. Within days, Brenda regained her energy, and she was walking a week post-surgery. Remarkably, two months after the operation, her heart was no longer reliant on the pacemaker, reflecting a complete cessation of its pacing functions—her symptoms were resolved.

Embracing Life Again

Brenda vividly recalls the changes in her lifestyle post-procedure. A mere two months after her treatment, she celebrated Christmas with her loved ones in Rochester, skiing—an activity she hadn’t enjoyed in years. In early 2026, she reached another milestone: her pacemaker was removed.

Brenda and John are now reclaiming their lives, full of ambitious plans. "I thought I'd never run another marathon or travel to see my family," Brenda reflects. "Now, I run several miles a day and am about to embark on a cruise to Alaska." This revitalizing experience underscores not just Brenda’s journey back to health, but a renewed sense of vitality for her entire family.

Dr. Kowlgi continues to research and develop cardioneuroablation techniques, captivated by its potential benefits for patients grappling with similar conditions. Brenda's story highlights the significance of seeking specialized care, especially when persistent health challenges remain unanswered.

The transformative impact of this procedure at Mayo Clinic illustrates a promising direction for the treatment of vasovagal syncope and offers hope to other patients facing the debilitating effects of similar heart conditions.