High-resolution mapping around the crista terminalis during typical atrial flutter: new insights into mechanisms.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to delineate activation patterns around the crista terminalis (CT) using high-resolution noncontact mapping.


RESULTS
Twenty-six patients with typical atrial flutter (20 counterclockwise and 6 clockwise) were enrolled in the study. A noncontact mapping system was used to map atrial flutter. There were three activation patterns around the line(s) of block. Type I (n = 6) showed activation around a single complete line of block located in the CT. Type II (n = 17) showed activation around a single incomplete line of block with a conduction gap in the CT. Type III (n = 3) showed activation around double lines of block, one located in the CT and the other located in the sinus venosa region. Simultaneous activation around the tricuspid annulus and through the CT gap could result in double loop reentry (n = 12). After successful ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in 24 patients, upper loop reentry was still induced in 12 patients with double loop reentry. Subsequent ablation of the CT gap was performed successfully in these 12 patients, and no arrhythmia was inducible thereafter. During the follow-up period of 8.4 +/- 4.1 months, there was no recurrence of atrial flutter in any patient.


CONCLUSIONS
During typical atrial flutter, the CT might be an incomplete barrier. Simultaneous conduction through the CTI and CT gap could result in double loop reentry. Radiofrequency ablation of the CTI and CT gap was effective in eliminating this arrhythmia.
Tai
Ching-Tai
CT
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201 Sec. 2 Shih-Pai Road, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. cttai@vghtpe.gov.tw
Huang
Jin-Long
JL
Lee
Pi-Chang
PC
Ding
Yu-An
YA
Chang
Mau-Song
MS
Chen
Shih-Ann
SA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D018780:Body Surface Potential Mapping; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D022062:Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000503:physiopathology; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged