Electrophysiologic characteristics and radiofrequency ablation of focal atrial tachycardia arising from para-Hisian region

Abstract

This study describes the electrophysiologic characteristics and radiofrequency ablation of focal atrial tachycardia (AT) arising from para-Hisian region in 14 (6.0%) patients of a consecutive series of 224 patients patients. Inverted or biphasic P wave in V(1) and uncharacteristic P wave in inferior leads were observed during tachycardia, suggesting that there isn't a characteristic P-wave morphology for para-Hisian AT. During electrophysiological study, tachycardia could be induced with programmed atrial extrastimuli in 11 patients while a spontaneous onset and offset with "warm-up and cool-down" phenomenon were seen in other three patients. Moreover, the tachycardias were sensitive to intravenous administration of adenosine triphosphate in all patients. On the basis of these findings, the mechanism is suggestive of triggered activity or micro-reentry, but automaticity cannot be conclusively excluded. Radiofrequency energy was delivered to the earliest site of atrial activation during AT. Ablating energy was carefully titrated, starting at 5 W and increasing gradually upto a maximum of 40 W, to achieve the ceasing of tachycardia. The long-term outcome was a 100% success rate in these 14 patients and there were no irreversible complications associated with ablation. Thus, the mapping and ablation of focal AT arising from para-Hisian region is safe and effective, delivery of radiofrequency energy in a titrated manner and continuous monitoring of atrioventricular (AV) conduction advocated to minimise the risk of damage to the anterograde AV conduction.