What is a potential outcome if the phrenic nerve is injured during ablation?

Injury to the phrenic nerve during an ablation procedure can lead to continuous hiccups in the patient. The phrenic nerve plays a crucial role in the diaphragm's movement, which is essential for normal breathing. Hiccups occur when there is irritation or damage to the phrenic nerve, as it can disrupt the normal contraction of the diaphragm. This reaction is often noted after a phrenic nerve injury, resulting in an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm that causes the characteristic sound and sensation of hiccups.

Other options, while they may seem plausible, do not directly correlate with the specific effects of phrenic nerve damage. For instance, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and prolonged chest pain are generally related to different complications or responses in cardiac conditions and may not be directly caused by phrenic nerve injury. Therefore, continuous hiccups stand out as a significant and relevant outcome following such an injury.