ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the feasibility and effect of three-points ablation approach in in treatment of typical atrial flutter guided by CARTO. Methods Twenty-six patients with typical atrial flutter diagnosed by ECG and electrophysiological study (EPS) were enrolled in this study. Activation sequence mapping and linear ablation were performed in 11 patients (conventional group) . Three-points guided linear ablation with CARTO system was performed in another15 patients (three-points group) . Results There was no significant difference in the success rate between the two groups. Both the procedure and fluoroscopic time in three-points group were significantly shorter than that in conventional group [(72.66±29.82) vs (102.52±32.61) min;(4.26±2.76) vs (7.32±3.16) min] . Conclusions The three-points ablations approach is as safe and effective as conventional ablation approach in treatment of typical atrial flutter;however,the former can significantly shorten the procedure time and fluoroscopy time.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Hybrid therapy with catheter ablation of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) and continuation of anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD), or electrical cardioversion with AADs might be alternative treatments for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The goal of study was to assess the long term success rate of hybrid therapy for persistent AF compared to antiarrhythmic medication therapy after electrical cardioversion and identify the independent risk factors associated with recurrence after hybrid therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients with persistent AF who developed atrial flutter after the administration of a class Ic or III anti-arrhythmic drug were enrolled. This group was compared with a group (33 patients) who underwent cardioversion and received direct current cardioversion with AADs. Baseline data were collected, and electrocardiogram and symptom driven Holter monitoring were performed every 2-4 months. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the groups. The 12 month atrial arrhythmia free survival was better in the hybrid group, 49.0% vs. 33.1%, p=0.048. However, during a mean 55.7+/-43.0 months of follow up, the improved survival rate regressed (p=0.25). A larger left atrium size was an independent risk factor for the recurrence of AF after adjusting for confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Despite favorable outcome during 12 month, the CTI block with AADs showed outcomes similar to AAD therapy after electrical cardioversion over a 12 month follow up period. Minimal substrate modification with AADs might be an alternative treatment for persistent AF with minimal atrial remodeling.