Different mechanisms underlying consecutive, postoperative atrial tachyarrhythmias in a Fontan patient.
BACKGROUND
Atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) frequently develop later after a Fontan operation and can be successfully treated by ablative therapy. However, new arrhythmias often develop.


RESULTS
Consecutive AT emerging in a Fontan patient were ablated using three-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping. During a 6-year period, nine different AT were ablated, including intraatrial reentrant AT (N=5), focal AT (N=3), and focal atrial fibrillation (N=1) originating from distinct right atrial sites.


CONCLUSIONS
In a Fontan patient, successive AT can be caused by different mechanisms. These AT are most likely the result of progressive atrial cardiomyopathy and can be treated by catheter ablation.
De Groot
Natasja M S
NM
Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Blom
Nico
N
Vd Wall
Ernst E
EE
Schalij
Martin J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D018729:Fontan Procedure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D013612:Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*