Termination of macroreentrant atrial arrhythmias by pacing stimuli without global propagation

Background: Electrical stimulation during ventricular tachycardia resulting in tachycardia termination without global propagation (TWGP) is a well-recognized phenomenon. However, there is a paucity of literature showing a similar phenomenon in atrial arrhythmias.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the significance of TWGP in atrial arrhythmias.

Methods: Electrophysiological studies performed from 2000 to 2019 at Methodist Hospital, Indiana University were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-four patients were identified in whom stimulation during atrial tachycardia/flutter resulted in TWGP.

Results: Of the 34 patients, 12 (29%) had cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent atrial flutter and 22 (71%) had other atrial arrhythmias during which TWGP was seen. Mean age of the population was 53 ± 13 years; and 68% were male. Previous catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or other atrial tachyarrhythmias had been performed in 70.5%, and 44% previously had undergone cardiac surgery involving the atria. Congenital heart disease was present in 20.5%; 3 patients were status post lung transplant. Mean cycle length of atrial arrhythmia in which TWGP was seen was 317 ± 76 ms. The sites at which TWGP was seen reproducibly were highly specific for successful termination of the arrhythmias with radiofrequency energy. The arrhythmia circuits were 12 CTI-dependent atrial flutter, 11 left atrial macroreentrant atrial tachycardia (MRAT), 1 involving both left and right atria, and 8 were other right atrial MRAT.

Conclusion: Termination of macroreentrant atrial arrhythmias by pacing stimuli without global propagation identifies a narrow diastolic isthmus at which catheter ablation is highly effective.