Background: Whether unidirectional conduction block (UB) can be observed after creation of a radiofrequency (RF) line is still debated. Previous studies reported a prevalence of 9 to 33% of UB, but the assessment was performed using a point-by-point recording across the line. Ultra-high-density (UHD) system may bring some new insights on the exact prevalence of UB.
Purpose: A prospective study was conducted to assess the prevalence of UB and bidirectional block (BB) using UHD system after RF line creation.
Methods: Patients referred for atrial RF ablation procedure were included in this multicenter prospective study. UHD maps were performed by pacing both sides of the created line.
Results: A total of 80 maps were created in 40 patients (67 ± 12 years, 70% male) by pacing (mean cycle length 600 ± 57 ms) from both sides of the cavotricuspid isthmus line. After a 47 ± 17 min waiting time after the last RF application, UHD maps (mean number of 4842 ± 5010 electrograms, acquired during 6 ± 5 min) showed that BB was unambiguously confirmed on all of them. UB was not observed in any map. After a mean follow-up of 12 ± 4 months, 6 (14%) patients experienced an arrhythmia recurrence.
Conclusion: After creation of an RF line, no case of UB was observed using UHD mapping, suggesting that the presence of a conduction block along a RF line is always associated with a block in the opposite direction.
Keywords: radiofrequency line; ultra-high-density mapping; unidirectional block.