title: Endocardial activation mapping of ventricular tachycardia in patients : first application of a 32-site bipolar mapping electrode catheter.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Localization of early activated endocardial areas during ventricular tachycardia (VT) is mandatory for performance of surgical or radiofrequency catheter interventions. The use of a multielectrode catheter may shorten the procedure time and increase the accuracy of the procedure compared with single-electrode mapping techniques. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 32-bipolar-electrode mapping catheter in patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The basket-shaped mapping catheter (BMC), integrated with a computerized mapping system, allowed on-line reconstruction of endocardial activation maps. Twenty patients with VT were studied before surgery (n=4) or radiofrequency catheter ablation (n=16). End-diastolic left ventricular (LV) volume was 280+/-120 mL, with an LV ejection fraction of 33+/-14%. The volume encompassed by the BMC was 164+/-27 mL (130 to 200 mL); the deployment time was 46+/-11 minutes. Endocardial activation time during sinus rhythm was 105+/-34 ms; 14+/-5 electrodes could be used to stimulate the heart. Cycle length of VT was 325+/-83 ms. Earliest endocardial activation was recorded 58+/-42 ms before the onset of the surface ECG. Complications were pericardial effusion (n=2) and transient cerebral disorientation (n=1).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Percutaneous multielectrode endocardial mapping in patients with VT is feasible and relatively safe. The use of this technique shortens the time patients have to endure VT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Schalij
authors.forename: F P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: van Rugge
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Siezenga
authors.forename: E T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: van der Velde
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D018780:Body Surface Potential Mapping / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D004566:Electrodes; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000503:physiopathology*