Electrophysiologic mechanism and ablation strategy for macroreentrant biatrial tachycardias after Cox-maze procedures

Abstract

Background: Different types of recurrent atrial tachycardia (AT) after Cox-maze procedures have been reported, whereas biatrial tachycardia (BiAT) has not been systematically analyzed.

Objective: In this study, we retrospectively investigated the electrophysiologic characteristics of BiAT after Cox-maze procedures by use of an ultrahigh-density mapping system.

Methods: Of a consecutive 76 patients who underwent catheter ablation of AT after Cox-maze procedures, 12 BiATs were identified. High-density activation mapping was performed in both the left atrium and right atrium in combination with entrainment pacing to confirm the circuit.

Results: We classified these BiATs into 2 groups. In group 1 (7 patients), the bidirectional block of maze linear lesions to prevent the macroreentrant AT was achieved; the posterior interatrial connections were involved in the circuit. In group 2 (5 patients), the bidirectional block of maze linear lesions was not blocked, and the most common gap was located at the end of the linear lesion near the annulus. In group 1, all the ATs were terminated by targeting the corresponding left atrium end of the posterior interatrial connections. In group 2, the ATs were terminated by targeting the gap near the annulus.

Conclusion: The optimal ablation strategy for BiATs after the maze procedure should be based on detailed demonstration of the circuit by high-density mapping.

Keywords: Ablation; Atrial tachycardia; Catheter; Mapping; Reentrant tachycardia.