ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effectiveness and advantages of the Carto merge technique in guiding radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of permanent atrial fibrillation (AF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 15 patients with permanent AF underwent RFCA under guidance of the Carto merge technique. The virtual electroanatomical map of the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) were reconstructed with Carto system during the procedure. Then the electroanatomical map was integrated with 3-D images of cardiac magnetic resonance angiography to form Carto merge map. Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation was performed first until complete PVs electric isolation confirmed by lasso catheter. If AF was not terminated, lesion lines on roof of LA, mitral isthmus, and tricuspid isthmus were produced. Finally direct current (DC) cardioversion were given if sinus rhythm did not return.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AF were terminated spontaneously during RFCA in 2 patients, and by DC cardioversion in the remaining 13 patients. Persistent AF recurred on 24 hours, first week, and 5th week, respectively in three patients. The remaining 12 patients were all free of AF during follow-up (1-10 months). The success rate was 80% in the study.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Carto merge technique can effectively guide RFCA of permanent AF. When combined with single Lasso mapping, it can simplify the mapping and enhance the success rate of RFCA of permanent AF.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Atrial Fibrillation , General Surgery , Catheter Ablation , MethodsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) to treat per-manent atrial fibrillation (AF) under the guidance of Carto-Merge technique.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifteen male patients with permanent AF underwent RFCA under the guidance of Carto-Merge technique. The mean age was 54.00 +/- 10.44 years, and duration of AF was 23.66 +/- 14.93 months. Cardiac magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed to obtain pre-procedural three-dimensional (3D) images on the anatomy of left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) before RFCA procedure. Then the electroanatomical map was integrated with 3D images of MRA to form Carto-Merge map that guided step-by-step ablation strategy of permanent AF. Circumferential PV ablation was performed first until complete PVs electric isolation confirmed by Lasso catheter. If AF was not terminated, lesion lines on roof of LA, mitral isthmus, and tricuspid isthmus were produced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The episodes of AF were terminated during RFCA in 2 patients, by direct current cardioversion in the remaining 13 patients. Transient AF occurred in 2 patients after ablation on 1st day and 1st week respectively, AF terminated spontaneously not long after taking metoprolol. One patient developed persistent atrial flutter (AFL) in 2 months after procedure and AFL was eliminated by the second ablation. Persistent AF recurred on 1st day, 1st and 5th week respectively in 3 patients, and did not terminate after 3 months even though amiodarone was given. The remaining 12 patients were all free of AF during 2-11 months of follow-up. The recent success rate for RFCA of permanent AF was 80%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Carto-Merge technique can effectively guide RFCA of permanent AF. When combined with single Lasso mapping, it can simplify the mapping, lower expenses, and enhance the success rate of RFCA of permanent AF.</p>