"Left-variant" atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: electrophysiological characteristics and effect of slow pathway ablation within coronary sinus

Introduction: Recent anatomical and electrophysiological studies have demonstrated the presence of leftward posterior nodal extension (LPNE); however, its role in the genesis of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is poorly understood. This study was performed to characterize successful slow pathway (SP) ablation site and to elucidate the role of LPNE in genesis of atypical AVNRT with eccentric activation patterns within the coronary sinus (CS).
Methods and Results: Among 45 patients with atypical AVNRT (slow-slow/fast-slow/both = 20/22/3 patients) with concentric (n = 37, 82%) or eccentric CS activation (n = 8, 18%), successful ablation site was evaluated. Among 35/37 patients (95%) with concentric CS activation, ablation at the conventional SP region outside CS eliminated both retrograde SP conduction and AVNRT inducibility. Among eight patients with eccentric CS activation, the earliest retrograde atrial activation was found at proximal CS 16 ± 4 mm distal to the ostium during AVNRT. The earliest retrograde activation site was located at inferior to inferoseptal mitral annulus, consistent with the presumed location of LPNE. Ablation at the conventional SP region with electroanatomical approach only rendered AVNRT nonsustained without elimination of retrograde SP conduction in seven of eight patients (88%). Ablation targeted to the earliest retrograde atrial activation site within proximal CS (15 ± 4 mm distal to the ostium); however, eliminated retrograde SP conduction and rendered AVNRT noninducible in six of eight patients (75%).
Conclusion: In 75% of "left-variant" atypical AVNRT, ablation within proximal CS was required to eliminate eccentric retrograde SP conduction and render AVNRT noninducible, suggesting LPNE formed retrograde limb of reentrant circuit.     

Standard right atrial ablation is effective for atrioventricular nodal reentry with earliest activation in the coronary sinus

INTRODUCTION: Reports suggest that coronary sinus (CS) or left atrial ablations may be necessary for treatment of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) with earliest retrograde atrial activation in the CS. We assessed the efficacy of standard right atrial catheter ablation approaches in these tachycardias and determined the incidence of earliest activation in the CS in AVNRT. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively evaluated intracardiac recordings from 225 consecutive patients who underwent electrophysiologic studies and radiofrequency (RF) ablation for AVNRT in two institutions. Atrial activation during AVNRT was evaluated using multiple catheters according to standard protocol used in our laboratories. RF ablations in the triangle of Koch were performed in all patients. Eighteen of 225 patients (8%) had earliest activation in one of the CS poles. The demographics and AVNRT characteristics of these 18 patients were similar to those of the other 207 patients who did not have CS as earliest activation site and included both typical and atypical AVNRT. Following RF ablation, none of the 18 patients had inducible AVNRT. CONCLUSION: Successful RF ablation can be performed at standard sites in the triangle of Koch regardless of earliest site of atrial activation. The incidence of CS as earliest retrograde atrial activation site in AVNRT is 8%.     

Irregular atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: Incidence, electrophysiological characteristics, and effects of slow pathway ablation

BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardias (AVNRT) with variable AV relationships are infrequently observed and might be misdiagnosed as atrial tachycardia. OBJECTIVE: This single-center, retrospective study was performed to elucidate the mechanism of AVNRT showing variable AV relationship. METHODS: This study included a total of 340 patients with all forms of AVNRT. The induced AVNRTs were classified into those with variations in the AV relationship (>or=30 ms) (irregular AVNRT) and those without (regular AVNRT). RESULTS: A total of 364 AVNRTs (typical and atypical form = 297 and 67) were induced in the 340 patients. Of the 364 AVNRTs, the variations in the AV relationship were observed in 8 atypical AVNRTs (2%) induced in 8 patients (2%). The patients with irregular atypical AVNRT were significantly younger than those with regular typical AVNRT and those with regular atypical AVNRT (35+/-15 vs 51+/-18 and 47+/-16 years, respectively). Irregular atypical AVNRTs showed atypical Wenckebach periodicity with simultaneous prolongation in the A-A intervals and Wenckebach block proximal to the His bundle. Irregular atypical AVNRTs showed a shorter tachycardia cycle length (TCL) (305+/-78 ms vs 381+/-95 ms; P<.05) and higher prevalence of eccentric coronary sinus (CS) activation than regular atypical AVNRTs (5 (63%) of 8 tachycardias vs 15 (25%) of 59 tachycardias; P<.05). An ablation applied to the earliest retrograde activation sites (CS and right inferoseptum = 5 and 3 cases, respectively) eliminated all irregular atypical AVNRTs. CONCLUSION: The variations in the AV relationship were observed exclusively during atypical AVNRT in 2% of all AVNRT cases. Irregular atypical AVNRT was characterized by younger age of the patients and shorter TCL, and it more frequently required an ablation inside the CS for success. We postulate that the noted irregularity was attributable to the short TCL that gave rise to the unstable conduction in the tachycardia circuit and Wenckebach block in the lower common pathway.     

Left atrionodal connections in typical and atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardias: activation sequence in the coronary sinus and results of radiofrequency catheter ablation

INTRODUCTION: The presence of atrionodal connections and coronary sinus (CS) breakthrough in atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) has been suggested. However, the incidence, anatomic relationship with reentrant circuit, and results of catheter ablation are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with typical slow/fast AVNRT and 10 patients with atypical slow/intermediate or fast/slow AVNRT were included. Eccentric activation of the CS (EACS) was observed in 3 of 52 patients with typical and 8 of 10 patients with atypical AVNRT. The earliest CS activation in patients with an EACS was recorded at a site 10-20 mm inside the CS ostium. The postpacing interval after transient entrainment at the proximal CS in patients with EACS was 23 +/- 21 msec longer than the pacing cycle length. Modification or ablation of the slow pathway was successful in all patients with typical slow/fast AVNRT and in 7 of 9 patients with atypical AVNRT by RF energy delivered at the right septal tricuspid annulus (TA). In 2 patients with atypical AVNRT and an EACS, RF delivery inside the CS targeting the earliest CS activation eliminated the sustained AVNRT. CONCLUSION: Eccentric coronary sinus activation is observed in some rare cases of typical AVNRT, and in a majority of atypical AVNRT. Entrainment results suggest that the proximal coronary sinus may be part of the reentrant circuit. RF ablation of atypical AVNRT, if it fails from the standard right-side approach, can be targeted at the site of earliest retrograde atrial activation inside the CS.     

Prospective evaluation of the coronary sinus anatomy in patients undergoing electrophysiologic study.

BACKGROUND: Previous retrospective studies could find a predominant incidence of coronary sinus (CS) anomalies in patients with accessory pathways and a characteristic anatomy of the CS ostium in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardias (AVNRT). HYPOTHESIS: In the present prospective study, CS angiograms were prospectively performed to analyze the incidence of CS anomalies and to measure the diameters of the CS ostium. METHODS: The study included patients referred for electrophysiologic study and catheter ablation of various tachyarrhythmias. The anatomy of the CS and its side branches was visualized [left anterior oblique (LAO) 30 degrees, right anterior oblique (RAO) 30 degrees] by retrograde angiography in 204 consecutive patients (82 women, 122 men, age 45 +/- 15 years); of these, 120 presented with 123 accessory pathways (45 left-sided, 33 right-sided, 45 septal). The diagnosis in the remaining patients was atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in 43 cases, atrial tachycardia or atrial fibrillation in 12, and ventricular tachycardia in 15. In 14 patients, the indication for the electrophysiologic study was an unexplained syncope. The CS angiogram was evaluated for anomalies and the size of the CS ostium was manually measured in both projections. RESULTS: Anomalies of the CS defined as diverticula, persistent left superior vena cava, or enlarged CS ostia were found in 18 patients (9%). Of those, CS diverticula were found in nine patients, all with a posteroseptal or left posterior manifest accessory pathway, which was abolished within the neck of the diverticulum in seven patients and at the posteroseptal tricuspid annulus in two patients. Persistence of the left superior vena cava was found in five patients, four had atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia secondary to five accessory pathways (left free wall in four, right midseptal in one), and one patient had atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Enlargement of the CS ostium of > 25 mm width was detected in nine patients (5%), of whom four had AVNRT. However, the width of the CS ostium generally did not differ significantly between patients with AVNRT (LAO: 14.4 +/- 5.6; RAO 9.3 +/- 2.4 mm) compared with the control group (LAO 13.4 +/- 4.1; 8.2 +/- 1.9 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Anomalies of the CS as diverticula, persistent superior vena cava, or enlargement of the CS ostium are predominantly found in patients with accessory pathway-related tachycardias. Diverticula of the proximal CS were found in 7% of patients with accessory pathways; in these cases, ablation succeeded mostly by radiofrequency (RF) current delivery in the neck of the diverticulum. Enlargement of the CS ostium was more often seen in patients with AVNRT than in all other patients. However, in general the measurements of the coronary sinus ostium did not significantly differ in patients with AVNRT compared with the control group.     

Unique electrophysiologic characteristics of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia with different ventriculoatrial block patterns: Effects of slow pathway ablation and insights into the location of the reentrant circuit

BACKGROUND: The electrophysiologic mechanisms of different ventriculoatrial (VA) block patterns during atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to characterize AVNRTs with different VA block patterns and to assess the effects of slow pathway ablation. METHODS: Electrophysiologic data from six AVNRT patients with different VA block patterns were reviewed. RESULTS: All AVNRTs were induced after a sudden AH "jump-up" with the earliest retrograde atrial activation at the right superoparaseptum. Different VA block patterns comprised Wenckebach His-atrial (HA) block (n = 4), 2:1 HA block (n = 1), and variable HA conduction times during fixed AVNRT cycle length (CL) (n = 1). Wenckebach HA block during AVNRT was preceded by gradual HA interval prolongation with fixed His-His (HH) interval and unchanged atrial activation sequence. AVNRT with 2:1 HA block was induced after slow pathway ablation for slow-slow AVNRT with 1:1 HA conduction, and earliest atrial activation shifted from right inferoparaseptum to superoparaseptum without change in AVNRT CL. The presence of a lower common pathway was suggested by a longer HA interval during ventricular pacing at AVNRT CL than during AVNRT (n = 5) or Wenckebach HA block during ventricular pacing at AVNRT CL (n = 1). In four patients, HA interval during ventricular pacing at AVNRT CL was unusually long (188 +/- 30 ms). Ablations at the right inferoparaseptum rendered AVNRT noninducible in 5 (83%) of 6 patients. CONCLUSION: Most AVNRTs with different VA block patterns were amenable to classic slow pathway ablation. The reentrant circuit could be contained within a functionally protected region around the AV node and posterior nodal extensions, and different VA block patterns resulted from variable conduction at tissues extrinsic to the reentrant circuit.     

Presence and significance of the left atrionodal connection during atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

It has been suggested that the anatomic substrates of dual atrioventricular nodal pathways are likely to be the atrionodal connections. During atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) or ventricular pacing (VP), an earliest retrograde atrial activation in the coronary sinus (CS) distal to the ostium (CS breakthrough) would suggest the presence of an exit from a left atrionodal connection. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of such an atrial retrograde activation in the CS during AVNRT and VP. The retrograde atrial activation was recorded during typical AVNRT (38 patients, 27 women, mean age 44 +/- 18 years) by a multipolar catheter in the CS, a decapolar catheter in the His bundle position, and a deflectable quadripolar catheter along the tricuspid annulus anterior to the CS ostium. In 31 patients the retrograde atrial activation was recorded also during VP at a similar cycle length. A CS breakthrough was found in 18 patients during AVNRT (47%) and in 13 patients during VP (42%). Presence or absence of CS breakthrough was concordant between AVNRT and VP in 90% of the patients. A CS breakthrough, suggesting a left-sided atrionodal connection, is frequently recorded both during AVNRT and VP. In patients with a CS breakthrough pattern, the absence of correlation between the His bundle to the earliest CS retrograde atrial electrogram interval and AVNRT cycle length, or any other atrial activation times recorded in the posterior and anterior region of the Koch's triangle, would suggest that the left-sided atrionodal connection is a bystander during typical AVNRT.     

Patient with atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia with eccentric retrograde left-sided activation: treatment with radiofrequency catheter ablation

We describe a patient with supraventricular tachycardia with triple atrioventricular (AV) node pathway physiology. A discontinuous curve was present in the antegrade AV nodal function curves. During right ventricular pacing, the earliest retrograde atrial activation was recorded at the left-sided coronary sinus electrode. The retrograde ventricular-atrial interval was long and had decremental conduction. We induced a slow-slow AV node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) with eccentric retrograde left-sided activation. After slow pathway ablation, dual AV nodal pathway physiology was present. AVNRT with eccentric retrograde left-sided activation is relatively rare, and our findings suggest that eccentric retrograde left-sided atrial inputs consist partially of a slow pathway and disappear with slow pathway ablation.     

Characterization of subforms of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Different subforms of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) have been described ("Slow/Fast", "Slow/Slow" and "Fast/Slow"). Our aim is to improve definition of these subforms, based on systematic evaluation, in a large cohort of patients, of the site of earliest atrial activation, timing intervals, and evidence for the presence or absence of a lower common pathway (LCP). METHODS AND RESULTS: In 344 patients, AVNRT using a slow pathway (SP) for antegrade conduction and earliest atrial activation at the superior septum (i.e. retrograde fast pathway) was present in 81.4% (Slow/Fast). AVNRT using an SP for antegrade conduction and earliest atrial activation at the inferior septum or proximal coronary sinus (i.e. retrograde slow pathway; Slow/Slow) was present in 13.7%. AVNRT with a short A-H interval and retrograde SP conduction (Fast/Slow) was present in 4.9%. All timing intervals during tachycardia are dependent on autonomic tone. H-A intervals during tachycardia (H-A(t)) overlap in Slow/Slow and Slow/Fast AVNRT: Slow/Slow therefore may mimic Slow/Fast AVNRT. The H-A interval during pacing at the tachycardia cycle length (H-A(p)) better discriminates both subforms. The difference between H-A(p) and H-A(t) (Delta H-A) was significantly longer in Slow/Slow compared with Slow/Fast AVNRT (isoprenaline 0.5 microg/min: 27+/-18 ms vs. 1+/-9 ms; p<0.001). Delta H-A>15 ms had a specificity and sensitivity for Slow/Slow of 94% and 64%, respectively. A Delta H-A>15 ms, combined with other data, pointed to the presence of a long LCP in 36 of 43 evaluable Slow/Slow (84%) and all Fast/Slow, but in only 10% of Slow/Fast (p<0.001). Retrograde conduction during ventricular pacing at the tachycardia cycle length was present in only 6% of Fast/Slow. CONCLUSIONS: AVNRT subforms can be distinguished based on a systematic evaluation of atrial activation sequence, timing intervals and evidence for the presence of an LCP.     

Adenosine-sensitive atrial tachycardia originating from the proximal coronary sinus

BACKGROUND: Atrial tachycardia (AT) can originate from the proximal coronary sinus (CS). However, detailed electrophysiologic characteristics of the tachycardia are not available. OBJECTIVES: We describe the electrophysiologic characteristics, response to adenosine 5'-triphosphate, and results of radiofrequency ablation of AT with the earliest activation in the proximal CS. METHODS: In 7 of 54 patients (age 57 +/- 18 years) with nonmacroreentrant "focal" AT undergoing electrophysiologic study and radiofrequency ablation, the earliest atrial activation site was located in the proximal CS. RESULTS: The earliest activation site was inside the CS 13 +/- 3 mm from the ostium. The AT could be induced and terminated by atrial extrastimuli or burst pacing. In all patients, the AT was also terminated by a very small dose of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (4.2 +/- 1.1 mg). Rapid ventricular pacing during the tachycardia produced ventriculoatrial dissociation. Radiofrequency ablation directed at the earliest atrial activation site was effective in only three patients (group A). In the remaining four patients (group B), after the radiofrequency energy deliveries, the earliest activation site shifted to an adjacent site with a small increase in the cycle length. Three group B patients underwent successful ablation in the slow pathway region. No recurrence was observed over a follow-up period of 22 +/- 5 months. CONCLUSION: AT with earliest activation in the proximal CS is sensitive to a small dose of adenosine 5'-triphosphate. In some patients, radiofrequency applications in the slow pathway region are effective even if the local activation is not early.     

Slow-fast form of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia with eccentric retrograde left-sided activation

A case of atypical AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) with eccentric retrograde left-sided activation, masquerading as tachycardia using a left-sided accessory pathway, is reported. Initially, it appeared that the tachycardia was a typical slow-fast form of AVNRT. The earliest retrograde activation, however, was registered at a site approximately 3 cm from the coronary sinus orifice (left atrial free wall), indicating atypical AVNRT. Atrial tachycardia and orthodromic AV reciprocating tachycardia using an accessory AV pathway were excluded. Slow pathway ablation at the posteroseptal right atrium eliminated the tachycardia. It was suggested that the anterograde limb of the tachycardia circuit was a slow AV nodal pathway with typical posteroseptal location, whereas the retrograde limb was a long atrionodal pathway connecting the compact AV node and the left atrial free wall near the mid-coronary sinus.     

Atrial activation during atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: studies on retrograde fast pathway conduction.

BACKGROUND: Detailed right and left septal mapping of retrograde atrial activation during typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) has not been undertaken and may provide insight into the complex physiology of AVNRT, especially the anatomic localization of the fast and slow pathways. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of retrograde atrial activation during typical AVNRT by means of right-sided and left-sided septal mapping and implementation of pacing maneuvers for separating atrial and ventricular electrograms recorded during tachycardia. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with slow-fast AVNRT were studied by means of simultaneous His-bundle recordings from the right and left sides of the septum. Patterns of retrograde atrial activation were recorded during tachycardia following specific pacing maneuvers and during right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing at the tachycardia cycle length. RESULTS: The pattern of retrograde atrial activation could be mapped in 17 of 22 patients during AVNRT. In 9 (53%) patients, the earliest retrograde atrial activation was recorded on the left side of the septum, in 3 (17%) patients on the right side, and in 5 (29%) patients both right and left atrial septal electrograms occurred simultaneously. Stimulus to atrial electrogram times recorded during RVA pacing in 14 patients were 138.5 ms from the right His bundle, 134.5 ms from the left His bundle, and 148.0 ms from the ostium of the coronary sinus (P <.001). The predominant site of earliest retrograde atrial activation during RVA pacing was the left side of the septum (10 patients [71%]). Only 8 (57%) of 14 patients demonstrated concordance in the pattern of retrograde atrial activation during AVNRT and RVA pacing. CONCLUSION: Earliest retrograde atrial activation during AVNRT is most often recorded on the left side of the septum. Breakthrough of atrial activation may be discordant from that observed during RVA pacing.     

快慢型房室结折返性心动过速的电生理机制和经导管射频消融

目的探讨快慢型房室结折返性心动过速(AVNRT)的电生理机制和经导管射频消融。方法快慢型AVNRT消融患者42例。消融方法为在心室起搏或心动过速时标测最早逆传慢径心房激动部位,然后在窦性心律下或心动过速时消融。消融成功的标准为消除逆传慢径、1:1前传慢径及不能诱发任何类型AVNRT。结果所有42例均消融成功。逆传慢径消融成功部位在三尖瓣环和冠状静脉窦(CS)口之间(传统慢径区域)36例(86%),其最早逆传心房激动也位于上述区域;逆传慢径在CS近端或/和二尖瓣环心房侧消融成功6例(14%),其最早逆传心房激动多位于CS近端1～3cm处。结论多数快慢型AVNRT可在传统慢径区域(房室结右侧后延伸)消融成功,但部分病例需要在CS近端和/或二尖瓣环房侧(左侧后延伸)消融成功。     

Atrial tachycardia with slow pathway conduction mimicking typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

A 68-year-old woman with palpitations underwent electrophysiologic testing. During burst atrial pacing the PR interval exceeded the RR interval and induced a supraventricular tachycardia consistent with a typical AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Radiofrequency ablation of the slow pathway during the tachycardia immediately produced 2 : 1 AV conduction. After slow AV nodal pathway ablation an atrial tachycardia (AT) remained inducible with the earliest atrial activation around the HB region. Radiofrequency ablation at the site of earliest atrial activation interrupted the AT without AV block. AT originating from the HB region with slow pathway conduction may mimic typical AVNRT.     

Heterogeneity of anterograde fast-pathway and retrograde slow-pathway conduction patterns in patients with the fast–slow form of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: electrophysiologic and electrocardiographic considerations

Objectives. This study sought to define the electrophysiologic and electrocardiographic characteristics of fast–slow atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT).Background. In fast–slow AVNRT the retrograde slow pathway (SP) is located in the posterior septum, whereas the anterograde fast pathway (FP) is located in the anterior septum; however, exceptions may occur.Methods. Twelve patients with fast–slow AVNRT were studied. To determine the location of the retrograde SP, atrial activation during AVNRT was examined while recording the electrograms from the low septal right atrium (LSRA) on the His bundle electrogram and the orifice of the coronary sinus (CS). Further, to investigate the location of the anterograde FP, single extrastimuli were delivered during AVNRT both from the high right atrium and the CS.Results. The CS activation during AVNRT preceded the LSRA in six patients (posterior type); LSRA activation preceded the CS in three patients (anterior type), and in the remaining three both sites were activated simultaneously (middle type). In the anterior type, CS stimulation preexcited the His and the ventricle without capturing the LSRA electrogram (atrial dissociation between the CS and the LSRA), suggesting that the anterograde FP was located posterior to the retrograde SP. In the posterior and middle types, high right atrial stimulation demonstrated atrial dissociation, suggesting that the anterograde FP was located anterior to the SP. In the posterior and middle types, retrograde P waves in the inferior leads were deeply negative, whereas they were shallow in the anterior type.Conclusions. Fast–slow AVNRT was able to be categorized into posterior, middle and anterior types according to the site of the retrograde SP. The anterior type AVNRT, where an anteriorly located SP is used in the retrograde direction and a posteriorly located FP in the anterograde direction, appears to represent an anatomical reversal of the posterior type which uses a posterior SP for retrograde and an anterior FP for anterograde conduction. Anterior type AVNRT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of long RP (RP > PR intervals) tachycardias with shallow negative P waves in the inferior leads.     

主动脉无冠窦内射频消融前间隔房室旁路

目的 报道经主动脉无冠窦内射频消融前间隔房室旁路.方法 7例患者,男性4例,女性3例,平均年龄（38.4±14.7）岁.电生理检查证实存在房室旁路,并检查其前传逆传功能和诱发旁路参与的房室折返性心动过速.在心动过速时标测最早心房逆传激动点作为消融靶点.结果 7例心动过速时最早心房激动部位均位于前间隔区域,但经右心房途径反复消融均不能成功阻断旁路,而在无冠窦内可标测到最早逆传心房激动点并消融成功,无并发症出现.结论 主动脉无冠窦内消融可作为治疗前间隔房室旁路的一种新途径,特别适用于右心房前间隔区域消融失败的病例.     

Anterograde slow pathway is not the same as retrograde slow pathway conducted in the reverse direction in patients with uncommon atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the location of anterograde and retrograde slow pathways in 16 patients with uncommon atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), including the fast-slow form in 10, slow-slow form in 5, and both fast-slow and slow-slow forms in 1. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups according to the approach used for slow pathway ablation in the initial radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA): one approach used earliest atrial activation during tachycardia (ES group, n = 9), and the other used a slow potential during sinus rhythm (SP group, n = 7). When the initial RFCA failed to eliminate slow pathway conduction in the ES group, an additional RFCA guided by a slow potential was performed. The ratio of lengths from the His-bundle region to the RFCA site and coronary sinus ostium (Abl/His-CS ratio) and the ratio of amplitudes of atrial and ventricular potentials at the RFCA site (A/V ratio) were compared between the two groups. In the initial RFCA, retrograde slow pathway conduction was eliminated without impairment of anterograde slow pathway conduction in 8 (89%) patients from the ES group, and bidirectional slow pathway conduction was eliminated in 6 (86%) patients from the SP group. Residual anterograde slow pathway conduction that was preserved after the initial RFCA in 8 of 9 patients was eliminated by an additional slow potential-guided RFCA. Both the Abl/His-CS ratio (0.86 +/- 0.07 vs 0.73 +/- 0.11, P = 0.01) and A/V ratio (0.80 +/- 0.31 vs. 0.14 +/- 0.01, P < 0.001) were higher in the ES group than the SP group. The ratios for the residual anterograde slow pathway ablation in the ES group were similar to those in the SP group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the retrograde slow pathway runs more on the atrial side of the tricuspid valve annulus at the level of the coronary sinus ostium compared with the anterograde slow pathway, although both pathways run parallel or are fused in portions more proximal to the His bundle.     

多型房室结折返性心动过速的机制和射频导管消融

目的分析多型房室结折返性心动过速（AVNRT）并存的电生理机制和射频导管消融结果。方法18例经电生理检查后行射频导管消融的多型AVNRT患者。慢快型和慢慢型AVNRT的消融方法为首选消融前传慢径（房室结右侧后延伸）,快慢型AVNRT的消融方法为消融最早慢径逆传心房激动部位。消融成功的标准为消除1：1前传慢径,消除快慢型AVNRT的逆传慢径,不能诱发任何类型AVNRT。结果11例在消融前的电生理检查中诱发出2种类型AVNRT,均在三尖瓣环与冠状静脉窦口之间（房室结右侧后延伸）成功消融。7例在电生理检查中诱发出1种类型,消融此型后又诱发出另外1种类型,其中4例在房室结右侧后延伸进一步消融成功,另3例均经左侧后延伸进一步消融成功。消融术后随访6个月至8年,18例均无复发。结论对于大多数多型AVNRT,房室结右侧后延伸可能为其折返环的主要基质,消融可成功治愈多型AVNRT。在少部分多型AVNRT中,左侧后延伸与右侧后延伸可能分别作为不Ⅻ类型AVNRT折返环的主要基质,需要分别消融才能成功治愈。     

快慢型房室结折返性心动过速的电生理特点

目的分析快慢型房室结折返性心动过速（AVNRT）患者的临床特征、心电网和电生理检查特点、射频消融治疗特点,旨在为临床长RP。心动过速鉴别提供帮助。方法11例经心内电生理检查证实为慢快型房室结折返性心动过速的患者,回顾性分析其临床特征、心电图特点及电生理检查特点及射频消融治疗。结果心动过速表现为窄QRs波心动过速,RP’〉P’R,P。在Ⅱ、Ⅲ、aVF导联倒置,RP’间期为350±25ms,心率为1664-30bpm。11例患者中有3例出现室房逆传跳跃现象。心房程序刺激无明显跳跃现象,11例均可由心房StS：刺激诱发心动过速发作,且容易诱发,容易终止。心动过速发作时,5例CS9．10A波最早,6例HiS的A波最早,其中1例静推ATP心动过速终止。11例患者中9例经房室结改良消融传统慢径获得成功,2例在冠状静脉窦内消融成功,术后随访3个月以上均未再发作心动过速。结论长RP’心动过速的诊断和鉴别诊断有一定困难,如能排除慢旁道和房速,应考虑快慢型房室结折返性心动过速。     

Sub-threshold stimulation in variants of atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia: electrophysiological effects and impact for guidance of slow pathway ablation.

AIM: Sub-threshold stimulation (STS) applied during atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) of the common (slow-fast) type has been shown to effectively characterise target sites suitable for slow pathway (SP) ablation but has not been investigated in the setting of fast-slow and slow-slow variants. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventeen consecutive patients (52+/-16 years, 12 female) with sustained uncommon type AVNRT (fast-slow: n = 13, slow-slow: n = 4) were investigated. Mapping of the SP was started postero-septally close to the coronary sinus ostium and continued toward mid-septal sites, if required. Target sites for STS were selected according to established criteria including the recording of the earliest retrograde atrial activation during AVNRT. Long duration (5 s) constant current STS during AVNRT variants was performed in a stepwise manner (max 5 mA) at each site eligible for SP ablation until termination or capture occurred. Radiofrequency current (RFC) was delivered following successful STS termination of tachycardia (65 degrees C, 60 s) and exclusion of catheter dislodgement. Uncommon AVNRT with a mean cycle length of 405+/-70 ms was induced without spontaneous termination in all patients. Interruption of AVNRT variants due to selective STS-induced block of the retrograde (n = 12) or anterograde (n =2) SP occurred without capture in 14/17 (82%) patients. This was exclusively observed at sites with successful subsequent RFC application. AVNRT was rendered non-inducible in all patients after a median of 1 (1-11) RFC pulses without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Uncommon AVNRT can be interrupted by STS delivered at subsequently successful target sites for SP ablation in most patients (82%). The high positive and negative concordance between the effects of STS and following RFC application indicates that STS-mapping is also useful in the setting of AVNRT variants.