RESUMO
Objective To characterize the electroanatomical mapping and to assess the value of radiofrequency ablation of atrial tachycardia (AT) in left atria. Methods Nine patients with AT in left atria were studied. Three-dimensional electroanatomical maps were constructed in left atrium using electroanatomical mapping system (Carto). The type of AT (focal or macroreentrant) was identified by the electroanatomical maps, and the ablation targets were at the earliest activation sites or the isthmus of circuit. Results There were ten ATs in 9 cases. The relatively early A waves were recorded in middle, distal or proximal parts of coronary sinus catheter. Nine focal ATs were diagnosed. The activation maps demonstrated that the earliest activation sites were at the ostium of pulmonary veins ( n =5), posterior area of left atrium ( n =2), ostia of left atria appendage ( n =1) or left atria appendage ( n =1) respectively. One macroreeentrant AT was diagnosed, whose circuit propagated through the isthmus, formed by the right superior pulmonary vein and fossa ovalis. Eight focal ATs were all ablated successfully at the earliest activation sites, and one AT from left atria appendage was ablated unsuccessfully. Line of ablation was performed at the isthmus of the macroreentrant AT. During a period of 6-30 months follow-up, one patient with focal AT recurred and underwent another ablation with successful result. No complication occurred. The procedure time and the fluoroscopic time were 90-140 min, 8-16 min respectively in successful cases. Conclusion These results suggest that electroanatomical mapping of AT in left atria may facilitate rapid and accurate identification of the type of AT and guide ablation safely or effectively with less fluoroscopic time and higher success rate, especially in unsuccessful cases with conventional technique.
