3-D mapping of Left Atrial Conduction Pattern

• Main Authors: Yoshifumi Okano, MD, Masaki Igarashi, MD, Hideyuki Sato, MD, Shunji Fukunaga, MD, Kazuhiro Takamura, MD, Kenzaburou Kobayashi, MD, Junichi Yamasaki, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2010-01-01
• Series: Journal of Arrhythmia
• Subjects: Three-dimensional mapping; Activation pattern; Left atrium; Catheter ablation
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1880427610800031
• ISSN: 1880-4276

The purpose of this study is to examine a normal conduction pathway of the left atrium. During pulmonary vein isolation using a three-dimensional mapping system, we observed the characteristics of the conduction pattern. Subjects consisted of 15 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (mean age, 62.8 ± 8.4 years). Left atrial activation conduction begins in the interatrial septum, and moves toward the peak of the ridge between the left atrial appendage and left pulmonary vein. In coronary sinus or appendage pacing, conduction was in the opposite direction at the same location. The mean conduction velocity in this area was 2.03 ± 0.43 m/s. Features of decrement conduction were not present. Anatomical position of the appendage differed greatly between patients. A detailed observation using the inner-cavity view of a three-dimensional mapping system also showed that the peak of the ridge reached the center of the roof.