Arrhythmogenic response to isoproterenol testing vs. exercise testing in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy patients.

Aims: To compare the arrhythmic response to isoproterenol and exercise testing in newly diagnosed arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) patients. Methods and results: We studied isoproterenol [continuous infusion (45 µg/min) for 3 min] and exercise testing (workload increased by 30 W every 3 min) performed in consecutive newly diagnosed ARVC patients. Both tests were evaluated with regard to the incidence of (i) polymorphic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and couplet(s) or (ii) sustained or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) with left bundle branch block [excluding right ventricular outflow tract VT]; and compared to a control group referred for the evaluation of PVCs without structural heart disease. Thirty-seven ARVC patients (63.5% male, age 38 ± 16 years) were included. The maximal sinus rhythm heart rate achieved during isoproterenol testing was significantly lower compared to exercise testing (149 ± 17 bpm vs. 166 ± 19 bpm, P < 0.0001). However, the incidence of polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias was much higher during isoproterenol testing compared to exercise testing [33/37 (89.2%) vs. 16/37 (43.2%), P < 0.0001]. Interestingly, isoproterenol testing was arrhythmogenic in all 15 patients in whom baseline PVCs were reduced or suppressed during exercise testing. During both isoproterenol and exercise testing, control group presented a low incidence of ventricular arrhythmias compared to ARVC patients (8.1% vs. 89.2%, P < 0.0001 and 2.7% vs. 43.2%, P < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: The incidence of polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias is significantly higher during isoproterenol compared to exercise testing in newly diagnosed ARVC patients, suggesting its potential utility for the diagnosis.

[Risks of pulmonary vein isolation by radiofrequency for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a single centre experience of the first 200 patients]. / Risques liés a l'isolement par radiofréquence des veines pulmonaires pour le traitement de la fibrillation auriculaire paroxystique: expérience monocentrique des 200 premiers patients.

The authors report the initial experience of an electrophysiological laboratory starting ablation for atrial fibrillation, a promising technique which is not yet widely practiced because of the risks related to the procedure. The incidence of severe complications (tamponade, pulmonary vein stenosis, ischaemic events) did not appear to be different in the first 100 procedures compared with the next 100 procedures: 3% in the two groups. The selection of patients, strict perioperative management and the initial support by confirmed operators seem to be the factors which minimise the complications rate of the procedure.

Differential pacing for distinguishing block from persistent conduction through an ablation line.

BACKGROUND: Because complete linear conduction block is necessary to minimize the recurrence of reentrant tachycardias such as typical atrial flutter, we investigated a simple technique to recognize a persistent gap or complete linear block. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively evaluated cavotricuspid isthmus conduction in 50 patients (age 63+/-8 years, 43 men) after radiofrequency ablation. The distal and proximal bipoles of a quadripolar catheter placed close to the ablation line were successively stimulated during recording from the ablation line. We hypothesized that because the initial and terminal components of local potentials reflected activation at the ipsilateral and contralateral borders of the ablation lesion, a change to a more proximal pacing site without moving the catheter would prolong the stimulus to the initial component timing, whereas the response of the terminal component would depend on the presence of block or persistent conduction. A shortening or no change in timing of the terminal component would indicate block, whereas lengthening would indicate persistent gap conduction. The results were compared with previously described criteria for isthmus block. Ninety-two sites were assessed: 17 before and 75 after the achievement of complete isthmus block. The timing of the initial component was delayed by 19+/-9 ms, and the terminal component was advanced by 13+/-8 ms after block and delayed by 12+/-9 ms in case of persisting conduction. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for linear block were 100%, 75%, 94%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An accurate assessment of isthmus block or persistent isthmus conduction is possible with this technique of differential pacing.

High-density mapping of activation through an incomplete isthmus ablation line.

BACKGROUND: Activation mechanisms through gaps in ablation lines and resulting electrograms are poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight patients (all men; age, 59+/-9 years) were studied during a recurrence of typical atrial flutter (cycle length, 233+/-19 ms) after a previous catheter ablation in the cavotricuspid isthmus. High-density 3-dimensional mapping of the isthmus was performed with the Cordis-Biosense EP Navigation system, and local conduction velocity (CV) was estimated. Maps created with 96+/-19 points revealed 0.8+/-0.3-cm gaps of recovered conduction in the ablation line. A broad wave front entered the lateral isthmus with a CV of 1.8+/-0.7 m/s, halted on the lesion line, and penetrated slowly through the gap with a CV of 0.3+/-0.1 m/s. Activation then curved and returned antidromically to activate the downstream flank of the line with a CV of 1.1+/-0.7 m/s. This front fused downstream of the line with slow transverse activation (CV, 0.4+/-0.3 m/s) parallel to it. The ablation line was demarcated by an incomplete line of convergent double potentials with isoelectric intervals (from 123+/-34 to 62+/-16 ms); each potential corresponded to local activation upstream and downstream of the lesions, while the intervening delay was produced by slow conduction through the gap combined with the progressively longer curved pathway of downstream antidromic activation as a function of distance from the gap. CONCLUSIONS: High-density isthmus mapping during recurrent flutter indicates slow conduction through gaps of recovered conduction of varying dimensions in the ablation line followed by a curved front of activation antidromically activating its downstream flank, this detour producing wide double potentials on the line.

Dual-loop intra-atrial reentry in humans.

BACKGROUND: Dual-loop atrial reentrant tachycardias have not been clinically described. METHODS AND RESULTS: Five patients (3 men, 2 women; mean age, 48+/-16 years) were studied 24+/-15 years after surgical closure of an ostium secundum atrial septal defect for drug-resistant atrial tachycardia. Complete tachycardia mapping was performed in the right atrium with multipolar catheters and a 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping system (Biosense), followed by linear radiofrequency ablation of the narrowest part of each complete loop. Six tachycardias with a typical flutter morphology, a cycle length of 262+/-40 ms, and a superior f-wave axis (-77+/-11 degrees ) were mapped, 4 with a Biosense map including 106+/-32 points. Five figure-8 tachycardias had a counterclockwise loop around the tricuspid valve sharing a common anterior channel with a clockwise loop around the lateral atriotomy scar. One tachycardia was thought to have 2 counterclockwise loops around the same obstacles. Radiofrequency delivery in the cavotricuspid isthmus in each case transformed the tachycardia without any pause in a different morphology tachycardia with an inferior P-wave axis (50+/-42 degrees ) and nearly the same cycle length (272+/-39 ms) but with the periatriotomy loop alone. This arrhythmia required ablation of a second isthmus: between the lower end of the atriotomy and the inferior vena cava in 4 and the superior tricuspid annulus in 1. After a follow-up of 19+/-6 months, there were no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Figure-8 double-loop tachycardias mimicking the ECG pattern of a common atrial flutter occur in some patients after a surgical atriotomy. Ablation of 1 loop produces a sudden transformation to a new reentrant tachycardia formed of the remaining loop that requires ablation at a second isthmus.

Prospective randomized comparison of irrigated-tip versus conventional-tip catheters for ablation of common flutter.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of common flutter requires the creation of a complete ablation line to produce bidirectional conduction block in the cavotricuspid isthmus. An irrigated-tip ablation catheter has been shown to be effective in patients in whom conventional ablation has failed. This randomized study compares the efficacy and safety of this catheter with those of a conventional catheter for de novo flutter ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cavotricuspid ablation was performed with a conventional (n=26) or an irrigated-tip catheter (n=24). RF was applied for 60 minutes with a temperature-controlled mode: 65 degrees C to 70 degrees C up to 70 W with a conventional catheter or 50 degrees C up to 50 W (with a 17-mL/min saline flow rate) with the irrigated-tip catheter. The end point was the achievement of bidirectional isthmus block, and a crossover was performed after 21 unsuccessful applications. Procedural ablation parameters as well as number of applications, x-ray exposure, procedure duration, impedance rise, and clot formation were compared for each group. A coronary angiogram was performed before and after each ablation for the first 30 patients. Complete bidirectional isthmus block was achieved for all patients. Four patients crossed over from conventional to irrigated-tip catheters. The number of applications, procedure duration, and x-ray exposure were significantly higher with the conventional than with the irrigated-tip catheter: 13+/-10 versus 5+/-3 pulses, 53+/-41 versus 27+/-16 minutes, and 18+/-14 versus 9+/-6 minutes, respectively. No significant side effects occurred, and the coronary angiograms of the first 30 patients after ablation were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Irrigated-tip catheters were found to be more effective than and as safe as conventional catheters for flutter ablation, facilitating the rapid achievement of bidirectional isthmus block.

Reentrant pathway during ventricular echoes is confined to the atrioventricular node : high-resolution mapping and dissection of the triangle of koch in isolated, perfused canine hearts.

Background-During ventricular echoes, reentrant excitation is supposed to involve 2 functionally distinct pathways in the atrioventricular (AV) nodal area. The exact pathway of reentrant excitation is unknown. The objectives of this study were to analyze electrical activity in the AV nodal area after ventricular stimulation and during ventricular echoes and to assess the role of perinodal atrial tissue in AV nodal reentry. Methods and Results-In 16 isolated, blood-perfused canine hearts, multiterminal electrodes were used to map electrical activity in Koch's triangle after ventricular stimulation and during ventricular echoes. The subendocardial cell layers were chemically destroyed in 3 hearts. Incisions in the posterior approach to the compact node were made in 6 hearts. The apex of the triangle of Koch was surgically dissociated from the perinodal atrial tissue in 5 hearts. Retrograde atrial activation occurred via 2 distinct endocardial exit sites. Ventricular echoes could be induced in all hearts irrespective of the atrial activation pattern. Simultaneous retrograde activation of both exit sites often preceded reciprocation. Ventricular echoes were demonstrable after chemical destruction of the endocardium and after surgical dissociation of the perinodal atrial tissue from the AV node. Conclusions-Our data show that the reentrant pathway during ventricular echoes is confined to the AV node. The tissue that connects the node to the endocardial exit sites has to be excluded from the reentrant circuit responsible for single echoes.

Electrophysiological breakthroughs from the left atrium to the pulmonary veins.

BACKGROUND: The extent of ostial ablation necessary to electrically disconnect the pulmonary vein (PV) myocardial extensions that initiate atrial fibrillation from the left atrium has not been determined. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy patients underwent PV mapping with a circumferential 10-electrode catheter during sinus rhythm or left atrial pacing. After assessment of perimetric distribution and activation sequence of PV potentials, ostial ablation was performed at segments showing earliest activation, with the end point of PV disconnection. A total of 162 PVs (excluding right inferior PVs) were ablated. PV potentials were present at 60% to 88% of their perimeter, but PV muscle activation was always sequential from a segment with earliest activation (breakthrough). Radiofrequency (RF) application at this breakthrough eliminated all PV potentials in 34 PVs, whereas a secondary breakthrough required RF applications at separate segments in 77; in others, >2 segments were ablated. A median of 5, 6, and 4 bipoles from the circular catheter were targeted in the right superior, left superior, and inferior PVs, respectively, to achieve PV disconnection. Early recurrence of arrhythmia was observed in 31 patients as a result of new venous or atrial foci or recovery of previously targeted PVs, most related to a single recovered breakthrough that was reablated with local RF application. CONCLUSIONS: Although PV muscle covers a large extent of the PV perimeter, there are specific breakthroughs from the left atrium that allow ostial PV disconnection by use of partial perimetric ablation.

Electrophysiological end point for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation initiated from multiple pulmonary venous foci.

BACKGROUND: The end point for catheter ablation of pulmonary vein (PV) foci initiating atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been determined. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety patients underwent mapping during spontaneous or induced ectopy and/or AF initiation. Ostial PV ablation was performed by use of angiograms to precisely define targeted sites. Success defined by elimination of AF without drugs was correlated with the procedural end point of the abolition of distal PV potentials. A total of 197 arrhythmogenic PV foci (97%)-single in 31% and multiple in 69%-and 6 atrial foci were identified. A discrete radiofrequency (RF) application eliminated the PV potentials in 9 PV foci, whereas 2 foci from the same PV required RF applications at separate sites in 19 cases. In others, a wider region was targeted with progressive elimination of ectopy. In 49 patients, multiple sessions were necessary owing to recurrent or new ectopy. The clinical success rates were 93%, 73%, and 55% in patients with 1, 2, and > or =3 arrhythmogenic PV foci. Recovery of local PV potential and the inability to abolish it were significantly associated with AF recurrences (90% success rate with versus 55% without PV potential abolition). PV stenosis was noted acutely in 5 of 6 cases, remained unchanged at restudy, and was associated with RF power >45 W. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple PV foci are involved in initiation of AF, and elimination of PV muscle conduction is associated with clinical success.

Mapping and ablation of left atrial flutters.

BACKGROUND: Typical right atrial isthmus-dependent flutters have been described in detail, but very little is known about left atrial (LA) flutters. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed conventional and 3D mapping of the LA for 22 patients with atypical flutters. Complete maps in 17 patients demonstrated macroreentrant circuits (n=15) with 1 to 3 loops rotating around the mitral annulus, the pulmonary veins, and a zone of block or a silent area. In 2 patients, a small reentry circuit with a zone of markedly slow conduction was identified. Linear ablation performed across the most accessible part of the circuit cured 16 patients (73%) with a follow-up of 15+/-7 months. CONCLUSIONS: LA reentrant tachycardias are related to individually varying circuits and are amenable to mapping guided radiofrequency ablation.

Efficacy and safety of an irrigated-tip catheter for the ablation of accessory pathways resistant to conventional radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways (APs) is very effective in all but a minority of patients. We examined the usefulness and safety of irrigated-tip catheters in treating patients with APs resistant to conventional catheter ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 314 APs in 301 consecutive patients, conventional ablation failed to eliminate AP conduction in 18 APs in 18 patients (5.7%), 6 of which were located in the left free wall, 5 in the middle/posterior-septal space, and 7 inside the coronary sinus (CS) or its tributaries. Irrigated-tip catheter ablation was subsequently performed with temperature control mode (target temperature, 50 degrees C), a moderate saline flow rate (17 mL/min), and a power limit of 50 W (outside CS) or 20 to 30 W (inside CS) at previously resistant sites. Seventeen of the 18 resistant APs (94%) were successfully ablated with a median of 3 applications using irrigated-tip catheters. A significant increase in power delivery was achieved (20.3+/-11.5 versus 36.5+/-8.2 W; P:<0.01) with irrigated-tip catheters, irrespective of the AP location, particularly inside the CS or its tributaries. No serious complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Irrigated-tip catheter ablation is safe and effective in eliminating AP conduction resistant to conventional catheters, irrespective of the location.

Tracking dynamic conduction recovery across the cavotricuspid isthmus.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the dynamic temporal course of conduction recovery during and after radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus. BACKGROUND: Although cavotricuspid isthmus block is accepted as the best end point of ablation for typical flutter, conduction recovery is thought to underlie many eventual recurrences. Its time course and frequency have not been determined. METHODS: In a prospective group of 30 patients (26 men and 4 women, age 64 +/- 12 years) undergoing ablation of typical flutter in the cavotricuspid isthmus, the morphology of the P wave during pacing from the low lateral right atrium after achievement of complete isthmus block was identified as a reference. Regression of this morphologic P wave change was confirmed to be associated with intracardiac evidence of the recovery of cavotricuspid isthmus conduction and was observed throughout the procedure both during ablation in sinus rhythm (n = 15, group B) and just after flutter termination (n = 15, group A). RESULTS: Stable complete isthmus block was achieved in all patients; 29 had a terminal positivity of the paced P wave. Flutter termination resulted in stable block and terminal P wave positivity in three patients, transient terminal P wave positivity and transient block despite continuing RF at the same site in five patients and no block in the remaining seven patients. Conduction recovery identified by recovery of P wave changes was nearly as common (48%) during ablation in sinus rhythm. Multiple recoveries were noted in some patients, and 72% of all recoveries occurred within 1 min. Conduction recovery was only rarely associated with coagulum, impedance elevation or pops. CONCLUSIONS: Conduction recovery in the cavotricuspid isthmus is common during and after ablation and can be accurately, dynamically and continuously observed by monitoring the recovery of the low lateral right atrial paced P wave change.

Double component action potentials in the posterior approach to the atrioventricular node: do they reflect activation delay in the slow pathway?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to elucidate the mechanism of double component action potentials in the posterior approach to the atrioventricular (AV) junctional area. BACKGROUND: Double component action potentials are often associated with activation delay and therefore might be a marker of the location of the so-called slow pathway. METHODS: The AV junction was scanned for double component action potentials in Langendorff perfused pig and dog hearts, using conventional microelectrode recordings. Characteristics of these action potentials were investigated during basic and premature stimulation and cooling of the anterior approach to the node. RESULTS: During basic stimulation, double component action potentials were recorded in 19 out of 20 hearts. In 74% of these cases, the second component occurred before the His deflection. During premature stimulation this percentage was 50%, while delay between the two components always increased. In 80% of the cases, the amplitude of the two components became <20 mV during progressive shortening of the coupling interval. The first component was generated by activation in superficial layers, the second one by activation in deeper layers. Cooling of the anterior region revealed that the second component was caused by activation arriving from the anterior region. CONCLUSIONS: Double component action potentials in the posterior approach to the AV node are generated by the asynchronous arrival of wave fronts in different, weakly coupled layers or by the summation of asynchronously arriving wave fronts. They are not always associated with activation delay in the slow pathway.

Partial cavotricuspid isthmus block before ablation in patients with typical atrial flutter.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate preexisting partial isthmus block in the context of an electrophysiologically directed linear ablation strategy for typical atrial flutter (AF). BACKGROUND: Double potentials (DPs) separated by an isoelectric interval have been recognized as markers of local block. However, the presence and significance of DPs in the cavotricuspid isthmus during AF before ablation have not been evaluated. METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with AF (counterclockwise: 24, clockwise: 6) were studied during AF. Sequential withdrawal mapping was performed in the cavotricuspid isthmus from the tricuspid valve (TV) to the inferior vena cava (IVC) edge with electrograms coinciding with the center of the surface electrocardiographic plateau during counterclockwise AF or with the initial downslope of the positive flutter wave during clockwise AF. Atrial electrograms along this line were categorized as double, single or fractionated potentials (SPs or FPs). After demarcation of the zone of contiguous DPs, radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation was performed during AF only at sites with SPs or FPs (other than DPs) on the mapped line. If isthmus conduction still persisted after AF termination, additional RF applications were delivered using the same electrophysiologic strategy of avoiding DPs with an isoelectric interval during low lateral right atrial pacing for filling in the gap of residual conduction. RESULTS: Before ablation, no DPs were recorded in the isthmus in 19 patients (63%); DPs were recorded only at the IVC edge in five patients, and only at the TV edge in one patient. A contiguous line of DPs extending through more than half the isthmus to the IVC edge was documented in five patients (17%: group DP). In group DP, AF was terminated with 1.4+/-0.5 applications (vs. 5.8+/-3.5 in the remaining patients: p < 0.01). Complete isthmus block was achieved with a total of 3.4+/-0.5 applications (vs. 12+/-6 in the remaining patients: p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Seventeen percent of patients undergoing ablation of AF have preexisting partial isthmus block indicated by a large contiguous zone of DPs separated by an isoelectric interval. Electrophysiologically directed linear ablation avoiding confluent DPs can prevent unnecessary applications for effective cure of AF.

Anisotropic conduction in the triangle of Koch of mammalian hearts: electrophysiologic and anatomic correlations.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to characterize anisotropy in the triangle of Koch by relating electrophysiology with anatomy. BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular (AV) node fast and slow pathway characteristics have been suggested to be due to nonuniform anisotropy in the triangle of Koch. METHODS: During atrial pacing, we determined the electrical activity within the triangle of Koch by multichannel mapping in 11 isolated hearts from pigs and dogs. Orientation of fibers was determined in nine hearts. RESULTS: Fibers were parallel to the tricuspid valve annulus (TVA) in the posterior part of the triangle of Koch. In the midjunctional area, the direction of the fibers changed to an orientation perpendicular to the TVA. During stimulation from posterior and anterior sites, activation proceeded parallel to the TVA at a high conduction velocity (0.5 to 0.6 m/s). During stimulation from sites near the coronary sinus, a narrow zone of slow conduction occurred in the posterior part of the triangle of Koch where activation proceeded perpendicular to the fiber orientation. Above and below this zone, conduction was fast and parallel to the annulus. After premature stimulation, conduction delay in the triangle of Koch increased by 4 to 21 ms; in contrast, the AH interval increased by 80 to 210 ms. CONCLUSIONS: Data support the concept of anisotropic conduction in the triangle of Koch. Activation maps correlated well with the arrangement of superficial atrial fibers. Comparison of conduction delay in the triangle of Koch and AH delay after premature stimulation disproves that anisotropy in the superficial layers plays an important role in slow AV conduction.

Morphological characteristics of P waves during selective pulmonary vein pacing.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the value of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) P-wave morphology to recognize the paced pulmonary vein (PV). BACKGROUND: Prediction of arrhythmogenic PVs producing ectopy or initiating atrial fibrillation (AF) using 12-lead ECG may facilitate curative ablation. METHODS: In 30 patients P-wave configurations were studied during sinus rhythm and during pacing at six sites from the four PVs: top and bottom of each superior PV and both inferior PVs. The P-wave amplitude, duration and morphology were assessed, and predictive accuracies were calculated for the most significant parameters. An algorithm predicting the paced PV was developed and prospectively evaluated in a different population of 20 patients. RESULTS; Three criteria were used to distinguish right from left PV: 1) a positive P-wave in lead aVL and the amplitude of P-wave in lead I > or =50 microV indicated right PV origin (specificity 100% and 97%, respectively); 2) a notched P-wave in lead II was a predictor of left PV origin (specificity 95%); and 3) the amplitude ratio of lead III/II and the duration of positivity in lead V(1) were also helpful in distinguishing left versus right PV origin. In addition, superior PVs could be distinguished from inferior according to the amplitude in lead II (> or =100 microV). In prospective evaluation, an algorithm based on the above four criteria identified 93% of left versus right PV and totally 79% of the specific PVs paced. CONCLUSIONS: Pacing from the different PVs produced a P-wave with distinctive characteristics that could be used as criteria in an algorithm to identify the PV of origin with an accuracy of 79%.

Electrogram polarity reversal as an additional indicator of breakthroughs from the left atrium to the pulmonary veins.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the anatomical distribution and electrogram characteristics of breakthrough from the left atrium (LA) to the pulmonary veins (PVs). BACKGROUND: Localization of LA-PV breakthrough is an important technique for PV ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: A total of 157 patients with paroxysmal AF underwent PV disconnection guided by mapping with a circumferential 10-electrode catheter. Radiofrequency (RF) current was delivered ostially at the site(s) of earliest activation (113 patients) or electrogram polarity reversal defined by opposite polarity across adjacent bipoles (44 patients). Breakthrough sites were proved by changes in pulmonary vein potential activation sequence occurring as a result of localized RF delivery and were classified into four segments around the ostium (top, bottom, anterior, posterior). Results of mapping and ablation were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 99% of 411 targeted PVs were successfully disconnected in both groups. Breakthroughs were most frequent at the bottom of superior PVs (85% prevalence) and the top of inferior PVs (75% prevalence). A wide activation front (>5 synchronous bipoles) indicating broad breakthrough was observed in 18% of PVs. Polarity reversal occurred with 88% sensitivity and 91% specificity at breakthrough sites. Polarity reversal was restricted to fewer bipoles (2.0 +/- 0.4 bipoles vs. 3.4 +/- 2.0 bipoles, p < 0.01) compared with earliest activation. Shorter RF application time was required to disconnect PVs with wide synchronous activation using polarity reversal compared with using conventional earliest activity (10.3 +/- 3.0 min vs. 12.3 +/- 3.4 min, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar electrogram polarity reversal allows more precise localization of breakthrough compared with the earliest activation, particularly in cases of wide synchronous PV activation.

[Mapping and ablation of malignant ventricular arrhythmias]. / Cartographie et ablation des arythmies ventriculaires malignes.

Endocavitary investigations showed that the ventricular extrasystoles originated in the common ventricular myocardium (pulmonary infundibulum) in only 9 cases whereas the majority arose from the Parkinje system either on the anterior wall of the right ventricle or in septal region of the left ventricle. The extrasystoles arising from the Parkinje system and pulmonary infundibulum differed in their duration and polymorphism (128 +/- 18 ms vs 145 +/- 13 ms, p = 0.05; 3.3 +/- 2.7 morphologies vs 1.1 +/- 0.4, p < 0.001, respectively). During the extrasystoles, the local Pukinje potential preceded the ventricular activation by variable intervals, some of which were very long, up to 150 ms. Seven applications of radiofrequency were delivered on average per patient on the most distal part of the Purkinje system leading to ablation of the specific activation. The clinical results were spectacular: 88% of patients had no further episodes of ventricular fibrillation as demonstrated by analysis of the defibrillator with an average follow-up period of more than 34 months.

[Characterization of premature ventricular contraction initiating ventricular fibrillation]. / Caractéristiques morphologiques des extrasystoles ventriculaires initiatrices des fibrillations ventriculaires.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study is to characterize the electrocardiographic features of premature ventricular contractions (PVC) from different anatomical region that trigger ventricular fibrillation (VF). METHODS AND RESULTS: 36 consecutives patients (20 males, 42+/-14 yrs) undergoing VF ablation from 7 centres were studied (22 with idiopathic VF, 4 associated with a long QT syndrome, 3 with Brugada syndrome, 4 with ischaemic cardiomyopathy and 3 associated with other substrate). Mapping of these PVC showed 2 different origins, which were then confirmed by ablation: right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) (22%) and peripheral Purkinje network (81%). One patient had PVC from both origins (Brugada). RVOT PVC were frequent but had triggered only 5+/-5 episodes of VF for 26+/-33 months. Purkinje PVC were more likely to be present during electrical storm with 18+/-28 episodes of VF for 33+/-45 months. Right Purkinje PVC have a left bundle branch block with superior axis morphology whereas left Purkinje ones have a right bundle branch block. The axis of activation showed variation from inferior to superior depending on the area of origin from the Purkinje network and the exit site to the myocardium. However Purkinje PVC were characterized by short QRS duration (126+/-18 vs 145+/-13ms for RVOT PVC; p=0.05). In addition the coupling interval was significantly shorter compared to RVOT PVC (292+/-45 vs 358+/-37ms respectively; p=0.005). CONCLUSION: PVC initiating VF demonstrate specific electrocardiographic features that facilitate determination of their origin. Ablation of these typical PVC is feasible in order to reduce ICD shock.

Echocardiographic advances in atrial fibrillation and supraventricular arrhythmias.

Advances in echocardiography have paved the way for the development of intracardiac catheters with ultrasound transducers mounted on its tip. With this technology it has become possible for the interventional electrophysiologist to perform continuous echocardiographic examination during a procedure without the need for general anaesthesia or additional staff. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) allows the monitoring of catheter movement in real-time, assessment of catheter-tissue contact and potentially prevents and recognizes complications like thrombus formation and pericardial effusion. In addition recent technologies allow acquiring the full spectrum of Doppler-imaging permitting evaluation of haemodynamic data during the procedure. All these advances have made ICE an ideal tool for the interventional electrophysiologist, serving as a diagnostic and imaging tool during invasive electrophysiological procedures. This review will summarize currently available technology of ICE and its indications and applications in electrophysiological procedures.