Rapid detection of isthmus block and rhythm change using local electrogram changes during complex atrial flutter ablation

Abstract

Aims: Multiple re-entry circuits may operate simultaneously in the atria in the form of dual loop re-entry using a common isthmus, or multiple re-entrant loops without a common isthmus. When two or more re-entrant circuits coexist, ablation of an individual isthmus may lead to a seamless transition (without significant changes in surface electrocardiogram, coronary sinus activation or tachycardia cycle length) to a second rhythm, and the isthmus block can go unnoticed.

Methods and results: We hypothesize and subsequently illustrate in three patient cases, methods to rapidly identify a transition in the rhythm and isthmus block using local electrogram changes at the ablation site.

Conclusion: Local activation sequence changes, electrogram timing, and the behaviour of pre-existing double potentials can reveal isthmus block promptly when rhythm transitions occur during ablation of multiloop re-entry tachycardias.

Keywords: Ablation; Complex flutter; Electroanatomic mapping; Isthmus block; Multiloop re-entry.