Aortic Sinus Cusp Research Articles

Ventricular arrhythmias arising from the left ventricular outflow tract below the aortic sinus cusps: mapping and catheter ablation via transseptal approach and electrocardiographic characteristics.

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originating from the anterosuperior left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) represent a challenging location for catheter ablation. This study investigates mapping and ablation of VA from anterosuperior LVOT via a transseptal approach. This study included 27 patients with symptomatic VA, of which 13 patients had previous failed ablations. LVOT endocardial 3-dimensional mapping via retrograde transaortic and antegrade transseptal approaches was performed. Previous ECG markers for procedure failure were analyzed. In all patients, earliest activation with low-amplitude potentials was identified at the anterosuperior LVOT 5.1±2.8 mm below the aortic cusp and preceded the QRS onset by 39.5±7.7 ms only via an antegrade transseptal approach using a reversed S curve. In all patients, pace mapping failed to demonstrate perfect QRS morphology match. The anatomic location was below the left coronary cusp in 16, below the left coronary cusp/right coronary cusp junction in 8, and below the right coronary cusp in 3 patients. Radiofrequency energy resulted in rapid disappearance of VAs in all patients. ECG analysis showed aVL/aVR Q-wave amplitude ratio >1.4 in 7, lead III/II R-wave amplitude ratio >1.1 in 10, and peak deflection index >0.6 in 11 patients. There were no complications or clinical VA recurrence during a mean follow-up of 8.4±2.5 months. The anterosuperior LVOT can be reached via a transseptal approach with a reversed S curve of the ablation catheter. The rapid effect from radiofrequency energy indicates that the VA is most likely located under the endocardium. Also, previous ECG markers for procedure failure need further investigation.

Development of a magnetocardiography-based algorithm for discrimination between ventricular arrhythmias originating from the right ventricular outflow tract and those originating from the aortic sinus cusp: a pilot study.

Although several reports address characteristic 12-lead electrocardiographic findings of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OT-VAs), the accuracy of electrocardiogram-based algorithms to predict the OT-VA origin is sometimes limited. This study aimed to develop a magnetocardiography (MCG)-based algorithm using a novel adaptive spatial filter to differentiate between VAs originating from the aortic sinus cusp (ASC-VAs) and those originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT-VAs). This study comprised 51 patients with an OT-VA as the target of catheter ablation. An algorithm was developed by correlating MCG findings with the successful ablation site. The arrhythmias were classified as RVOT-VAs or ASC-VAs. Three parameters were obtained from 3-dimensional MCG imaging: depth of the origin of the OT-VA in the anteroposterior direction; distance between the earliest atrial activation site, that is, sinus node, and the origin of the OT-VA; and orientation of the arrhythmia propagation at the QRS peak. The distance was indexed to the patient's body surface area (in mm/m2). Origins of ASC-VAs were significantly deeper (81 ± 6 mm/m(2) vs. 68 ± 8 mm/m(2); P < .01) and farther from the sinus node (55 ± 9 mm/m2 vs. 41 ± 9 mm/m(2); P < .01) than those of RVOT-VAs. ASC-VA propagation had a tendency toward rightward axis. Receiver operating characteristic analyses determined that the depth of the origin was the most powerful predictor, with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 73% (area under the curve = 0.90; P < .01). Discriminant analysis combining all 3 parameters revealed the accuracy of the localization to be 94%. This MCG-based algorithm appeared to precisely discriminate ASC-VAs from RVOT-VAs. Further investigation is required to validate the clinical value of this technique.

Heart Rythm Society expert consensus statement on electrophysiology laboratory standards: process, protocols, equipment, personnel, and safety.

ABBREVIATIONS CIED = cardiovascular implantable electronic device; CT=computed tomography; EP=electrophysiology; FDA= U.S. Food and Drug Administration; ICD=implantable cardioverterdefibrillator; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; QA = quality assurance; QI = quality improvement; RF = radiofrequency; VT = ventricular tachycardia (Heart Rhythm 2014;11:e9–e51)

Long-Term Effect of Continuing Sports Activity in Competitive Athletes With Frequent Ventricular Premature Complexes and Apparently Normal Heart

The long-term outcome of athletes with frequent ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) and apparently normal heart has not been fully clarified. To evaluate the clinical and prognostic significance of VPCs and the influence of continuing sports activity during follow-up, we studied 120 healthy athletes (96 men; median age 16 years) in whom frequent VPCs (>100 VPCs/24 hours) were discovered by chance during preparticipation screening. All athletes were followed up for a median of 84 months. During follow-up, 96 underwent serial 24-hour Holter recording and 62 underwent serial echocardiography. The median number of VPCs/24 hours on basal Holter was 3,760. During follow-up, 81 athletes continued sports activity, whereas 39 did not. No athlete died or developed overt heart disease. The median number of VPCs/24 hours decreased in both athletes who continued sports activity and those who did not (from 3,805 to 1,124, p <0.0001 and from 5,787 to 1,298, p <0.0001, respectively). During follow-up, left ventricular ejection fraction slightly decreased to <55% in 9 of 62 athletes who, in respect to the remaining 53, had more VPCs/24 hours both in the basal state (12,000 vs 3,880) and during follow-up (10,702 vs 1,368), and a longer follow-up (95 vs 36 months). In conclusion, (1) frequent VPCs in athletes without heart disease have a long-term benign prognostic significance, (2) sporting activity does not modify this benign outcome, (3) during follow-up, the burden of VPCs decreases whether or not subjects continue sports activity, and (4) in 14.5% of athletes, ejection fraction slightly decreases over time.

Ablation within the aortic sinus of Valsalva for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias using a standard electrophysiology and ablation system

Background: Ablation within the aortic sinus of Valsalva for ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) has been reported in only small patient cohorts. Limited data exists concerning the outcome and safety of aortic ablation. Aims: The aim was to study the preliminary result and safety of catheter ablation for VT/PVCs originating from the aortic cusps. Methods: The study consisted of 49 consecutive patients with symptomatic VT/PVCs who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation within aortic sinus cusps from January 2010 to April 2012. All the procedures were performed with conventional EP and ablation system. Aortic root angiography was used to define coronary cusp and catheter position. The ablation target sites were defined by pace mapping and early activation mapping techniques. Ablation parameters including tissue temperature and tissue impedance were also measured. Ablation success and recurrence was defined by ECG and clinical follow up and 24-hour Holter monitoring after 3 months. All the procedure-related complications were documented. Results: Of the 49 patients (24 men and 25 women, mean age 51.1 ± 13.7 years), the site of origin was the left coronary cusp (LCC) in 36 (73.4%), the right coronary cusp (RCC) in 5 (10.2%), the noncoronary cusp (NCC) in 2 (4.1%), and at the junction between the LCC and RCC (L-RCC) in 6 (12.3%) cases. The initial success rate was 93.9% (46/49). After a mean follow-up period of 12.5 ± 6.6 months, 41/49 (83.7%) were free of VT/PVCs without antiarrhythmic drugs. No severe complications (MI, strokes, aortic valve perforation…) have been documented. Conclusion: Ablation within the aortic sinus of Valsalva is safe and effective for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.

Catheter ablation of arrhythmia from the aortic sinus cusp: the presence of a dead-end tract of the conduction system

We described a case of idiopathic arrhythmia originating from the coronary cusp. Intracardiac recordings showed a shorter HV interval (36–49 ms) during ectopic beats compared with the HV interval (55–62ms) during sinus. A potential was recorded at the right coronary cusp (RCC) …

ASSA13-02-12 Significance of Abnormal Potentials For Guiding Successful Target of Catheter Ablation from the Aortic Sinus Cusp Ventricular Arrhythmia

<h3>Objective</h3> Spike and fragmented potentials have been documented in electrograms recorded at successful ablation sites in patients undergoing ablation for idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias from the aortic sinus cusp (ASC-IVAs) clinically. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of these abnormal potentials in predicting target site of ASC-IVAs. <h3>Methods</h3> Twenty-nine Patients with ASC-IVAs and ten control subjects were studied. Electroanatomical mapping was performed in RVOT and ASC during IVAs/sinus rhythm. The presystolic potential preceding the QRS complex during VAs were considered as pre-potential (PP), and late potential (LP) were fragment potential following the QRS complex during sinus rhythm before and after ablation. The characteristics of both of them were analysed between IVAs group and control group. <h3>Results</h3> The incidence of PP and LP, the interval between QRS and LP and the amplitude of PP and LP in IVAs group were significantly greater than those of controls (P &lt; 0.05). In IVAs groups, the amplitude of PP at the target site was smaller than that of unsuccessful site (0.240 ± 0.249 mV vs 0.798 ± 0.532mV, P = 0.004). LP was more often recorded at the target site than at an unsuccessful ablation site before and after RF application (before, P = 0.001; after, P &lt; 0.001). After ablation, the amplitude of LP was obviously decreased (P = 0.016) and the interval between QRS and LP was longer in 21 patients (117 ± 28 ms vs 138 ± 31 ms P = 0.026) at the target site. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Although many patterns of abnormal potentials were recorded at the target site during ablation of ASC-IVAs, LP has greater significance for guiding ablation. The increased interval between QRS and LP might become a sensitive and specific maker for predicting successful ablation.

Ablation of epicardial ventricular arrhythmias from nonepicardial sites

Idiopathic epicardial ventricular arrhythmias can be targeted from the coronary venous system or the pericardial space, the endocardium, or the aortic sinus cusps. The purpose of this study was to analyze systematically the contribution of ablation at sites other than the epicardium to eliminate an arrhythmia originating in the epicardium. In a consecutive patient series of 33 patients (14 women, age 51 ± 14 years, ejection fraction 51% ± 9%) with epicardial ventricular arrhythmias, mapping and ablation was performed via the cardiac venous system/pericardial space, the aortic sinus cusp, and the left ventricular endocardium. An arrhythmia was defined as epicardial if the earliest onset of activation and a matching pace-map (≥10/12 leads) were identified in the epicardium. In 12/33 patients (36%), either an endocardial approach alone (n = 3) or a combined endocardial/epicardial (n = 6), cusp/endocardial (n = 1), or cusp/epicardial (n = 2) approach was required to eliminate the ventricular arrhythmias. In 10 of 33 patients (30%), epicardial ablation alone was effective in eliminating epicardial ventricular arrhythmias. Ablation was ineffective due to failure to reach the site of origin with the ablation catheter in 5 of 33 patients (15%), the site of origin was too close to an epicardial artery or the phrenic nerve in 3 patients (6%), and power delivery was insufficient in 3 patients (9%). About one-third of epicardial arrhythmias require ablation from sites other than the epicardium to eliminate the arrhythmia focus.

Novel Transitional Zone Index Allows More Accurate Differentiation between Idiopathic Right Ventricular Outflow Tract and Aortic Sinus Cusp Ventricular Arrhythmias

Background: Although several ECG algorithms have been proposed for differentiating the origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia (OT-VA), their accuracy is still limited in cases with cardiac rotation.Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess whether a novel “cardiac rotation-corrected” transitional zone (TZ) index would be a useful marker for differentiating right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) origin from aortic sinus cusp (ASC) origin.Methods: Surface ECGs of OT-VAs with left bundle branch block morphology and inferior axis in 112 patients who were successfully ablated in the RVOT (n=87) or the ASC (n=25) were analyzed. According to the site of R-wave transition, TZ score was graded with 0.5-point increments (e.g. V2=2-point, V3–V4=3.5-point, V5=5-point) and TZ index was defined as follows: TZ score of OT-VA minus TZ score of sinus beat.Results: The TZ index was significantly lower in the ASC origin than in the RVOT origin (−1.2±0.9 vs. 0.3±0.7, p<0.0001). A cutoff value of the TZ index <0 predicted the ASC origin with 88% sensitivity and 82% specificity. The previously reported R-wave duration index ≥50% had a high specificity of 85% but a low sensitivity of 44%, and R/S-wave amplitude index ≥30% had 68% sensitivity and 79% specificity. The area under the curve by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 0.90 for the TZ index, which was significantly higher than the R-wave duration index and R/S-wave amplitude index of 0.74 and 0.76, respectively.Conclusion: This novel TZ index can be a more useful marker for differentiating RVOT origin from ASC origin.

Novel transitional zone index allows more accurate differentiation between idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract and aortic sinus cusp ventricular arrhythmias

Although several ECG algorithms have been proposed for differentiating the origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia (OT-VA), their accuracy still is limited in cases with cardiac rotation. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a novel "cardiac rotation-corrected" transitional zone (TZ) index would be a useful marker for differentiating right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) origin from aortic sinus cusp (ASC) origin. Surface ECGs of OT-VAs with left bundle branch block morphology and inferior axis in 112 patients who were successfully ablated in the RVOT (n = 87) or the ASC (n = 25) were analyzed. The TZ index was defined according to the site of R-wave transition of sinus beats and OT-VAs. The TZ index was significantly lower in the ASC origin than in the RVOT origin (-1.2 ± 0.9 vs 0.3 ± 0.7, P <.0001). A cutoff value of the TZ index <0 predicted the ASC origin with 88% sensitivity and 82% specificity. The previously reported R-wave duration index ≥ 50% had a high specificity of 85% but a low sensitivity of 44%, and R/S-wave amplitude index ≥ 30% had 68% sensitivity and 79% specificity. The area under the curve by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 0.90 for the TZ index, which was significantly higher than the R-wave duration index and R/S-wave amplitude index of 0.74 and 0.76, respectively. This novel TZ index can be a more useful marker for differentiating RVOT origin from ASC origin.

Ventricular tachycardia originating from the aortic sinus cusp in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy often originates from the basal left ventricular myocardium and also can originate from the conduction system. The basal left ventricular myocardium reaches to the base of the aortic sinus cusps. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of VT originating from the aortic sinus cusps in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Thirty-three consecutive patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (24 men, age: 59 ± 11 years, ejection fraction: 29% ± 14%) were referred for ablation. VTs originating from the aortic sinus cusps were identified in 8 of 33 patients (24%). The presence of low voltage in the basal left ventricle correlated with the inducibility of aortic sinus cusp VTs. All but 1 aortic sinus cusp VTs were effectively ablated. In 1 patient, the site of origin of the VT was <10 mm from the ostium of the left main coronary artery and ablation was not attempted. In patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, VT often originates from the aortic sinus cusps. The large majority of these VTs can be successfully ablated.

Catheter ablation of idiopathic left and right ventricular tachycardias in the pediatric population using noncontact mapping

Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) in children with a structurally normal heart can cause significant morbidity, and although rare, mortality. Conventional activation and pace mapping may be limited by nonsustained tachycardia or unstable hemodynamics. The aim of this study was to assess feasibility of catheter ablation of idiopathic VT in the pediatric population guided by noncontact mapping. Twenty consecutive pediatric patients with idiopathic VT underwent electrophysiologic study with the intention to use the noncontact mapping system EnSite 3000 (EnSite Array, St. Jude Medical Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota). The multielectrode balloon array was introduced into the left or right ventricle, respectively, and tachycardia was analyzed using color-coded isopotential maps as well as reconstructed unipolar electrograms on the virtual geometry. The region of origin was identified in all of them, and the site of earliest activation with a QS pattern of the unipolar electrograms was guided for sites of ablation. Idiopathic VT originated from the right ventricular outflow tract in 6 patients, from the left ventricle in 8, and from the aortic sinus cusp in 6 in this cohort with a median age of 14.4 (range: 4.8 to 20.9) years. Ablation was attempted in 18 of 20 children, and was acutely successful in 17 of these 18 (94%). During a mean follow-up of 2.3 +/- 1.7 years, VT recurred in 3, 2 of them have been treated with a second procedure, resulting in an overall intermediate-term success in 16 of 18 (89%) children with idiopathic VT. Noncontact mapping can safely and effectively be used to map and guide catheter ablation of the tachycardia substrate of idiopathic VT in pediatric patients.

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia Under Navigation Using EnSite Array

EnSite array (EA) provides virtual activation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and premature ventricular contraction (PVC) on a beat-to-beat basis. Fifty-five consecutive patients (age 52+/-16 years) with 79 VTs/PVCs undergoing EA-guided radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) were studied, of whom 7 patients had organic heart diseases. A virtual activation map showed that 66 VTs/PVCs originated from the right ventricle (RV), including the RV outflow tract in 57, lateral wall of RV in 4, His bundle region in 3 and tricuspid annulus in 2. Ten VTs/PVCs originated from the left ventricle (LV), including the LV endocardium in 7 and aortic sinus cusp in 3. The origins of 3 PVCs, one each in 3 patients, were not identified. Six of 38 VTs were sustained and the remaining 32 VTs were non-sustained. RFA eliminated all but 3 focal PVCs, and all macroreentrant VTs at a critical conducting pathway, which was identified by the combined use of contact voltage and virtual activation maps. There were 11+/-9 applications, and the radiofrequency energy and fluoroscopy time were 11,354+/-13,360 J and 30+/-21 min, respectively. All patients with acute success were free of any symptoms during a follow up of 21+/-11 months. EA-guided RFA is safe and effective for VT/PVC, irrespective of its origin, mechanism, sustainability, hemodynamic condition, and underlying heart disease.

A case of ventricular arrhythmia originating from the aortic sinus cusp

A case of ventricular arrhythmia originating from the aortic sinus cusp

Usefulness of remote magnetic navigation for ablation of ventricular arrhythmias originating from outflow regions

Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and symptomatic monomorphic PVCs originating from the region of the right and left outflow tracts are increasingly treated by radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation. Technical difficulties in catheter manipulation to access these outflow tract areas, very accurate mapping and reliable catheter stability are key issues for a successful treatment in this vulnerable region. VT ablation from the aortic sinus cusp (ASC) in particular carries a significant risk of perforation, of creating left coronary artery injury and of damage to the aorta and the aortic valve.This case series describes RF ablation of VT originating in the outflow region using the remote magnetic navigation system (MNS). Potential advantages of the MNS are catheter flexibility, steering accuracy and reproducibility to navigate to a desired location with a low probability of perforating the myocardium. This report supports the idea of using advanced MNS technology during RF ablation in regions which are difficult to reach and thin walled, such as parts of the outflow tract and the ASC. (Neth Heart J 2009;17:245-9.).

Newly Discovered Heart Murmur

A 37-year-old man was referred for evaluation of a heart murmur detected recently during a routine checkup. The patient had an unsuspicious medical history, without previous infection, trauma, or connective tissue disease. He was completely asymptomatic while resting or exercising. Physical examination revealed a continuous 2/6 systolic-diastolic precordial murmur but was otherwise unremarkable. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a left-to-right shunt that originated from the aortic bulbus, with a slightly enlarged right atrium and ventricle. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed a noncoronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm with rupture into the right atrium (Figure, A). Doppler imaging studies showed a prominent jet into the right atrium (flow velocity >4.5 m/s) and a smaller jet into the right ventricle (Figure, B; online-only …

The Left Ventricular Ostium

Received June 17, 2008; accepted September 4, 2008. Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from the left ventricle (LV) are often accessible for catheter ablation from the aortic sinuses of Valsalva or adjacent to the mitral annulus (MA).1 The aortic and mitral valves are direct apposition and attach to an elliptical opening at the base of the LV known as the LV ostium.2 The VAs arising from this region are being increasingly recognized as targets for catheter ablation.3–7 This review describes the anatomic features of the LV ostium and the electrocardiographic, electrophysiological, and angiographic characteristics that are relevant to the mapping and ablation of these arrhythmias. The dominant central structure of the heart is the junction of the aorta with the LV. Fundamental for understanding idiopathic VAs arising near the aortic and mitral valves are 2 concepts: first, these arrhythmias arise from the LV ostium (Figure 1); and second, the LV ostium is covered by the aorto-ventricular membrane, a tough fibrous structure which is perforated by the aorta anteriorly and the mitral valve (MV) posteriorly (Figure 2). The anatomic concept of the LV ostium and its covering, the aorto-ventricular membrane, are based on the pioneering work of McAlpine.2 Figure 1. The left ventricular ostium (postero-cranial view). The left panel includes the aortic root with the right coronary sinus (R), left coronary sinus (L), and noncoronary sinus (N). In the right panel, the root of the aorta has been removed to demonstrate the elliptical ostium of the left ventricle (LV) with the junction of the right coronary cusp (RCC), left coronary cusp (LCC), and LV summit demonstrated. APM indicates anterior papillary muscle; LA, left atrium; LAFT, left anterior fibrous trigone; LFT, left fibrous trigone; L-RCC, the junction between the LCC and RCC; PPM, posterior papillary muscle; PSP, postero-superior …

Catheter ablation of an incessant ventricular tachycardia originating from the left aortic sinus cusp in an adolescent with subacute myocarditis

Catheter ablation of an incessant ventricular tachycardia originating from the left aortic sinus cusp in an adolescent with subacute myocarditis

Vagal reflex provoked by radiofrequency catheter ablation in the right aortic sinus cusp: a Bezold–Jarisch-like phenomenon

A 66-year-old woman with idiopathic premature ventricular contractions with a left bundle branch block QRS morphology and left inferior axis underwent electrophysiologic testing. Successful radiofrequency ablation was achieved in the right coronary cusp (RCC). However, radiofrequency ablation at sites adjacent to the successful ablation site provoked sinus bradycardia followed by atrioventricular conduction block. That phenomenon might be explained by a vagal reflex through stimulation of vagal pathways or receptors in the anterior epicardial fat pads neighboring to the RCC. A vagal reflex should be kept in mind as a complication during catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias originating from the RCC.

Electrocardiographic Characteristics of the Variants of Idiopathic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias

Despite similar QRS morphology, idiopathic repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs) of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) are known to have the variants of different adjacent origins, including the aorto-mitral continuity (AMC), anterior site around the mitral annulus (MA), aortic sinus cusps (ASC), and epicardium. However, the electrocardiographic characteristics of those variants previously have not been evaluated fully. Based on the mapping site and successful ablation in 45 consecutive patients with LVOT-VTs, we classified them into VTs of AMC (n = 3), MA (n = 8), ASC (n = 32), and epicardial (n = 2) origins. In all patients, we performed activation mapping and an electrocardiographic analysis. All AMC-VTs patients had monophasic R waves in almost all the precordial leads, while those with anterior MA-VTs had an Rs pattern in some precordial leads except for lead V6, and those with ASC-VTs had a variable transitional zone in leads V1-4. There was no S wave in lead V6 in any group except for one patient with anterior MA-VTs. The intrinsicoid deflection time in the AMC-VTs patients and anterior MA-VTs patients was significantly greater than in those with ASC-VTs (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the R-wave amplitude in the inferior leads among the groups. Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) was achieved in all patients except for in those with epicardial origin VT. Despite many morphological similarities, the LVOT-VTs originating from the AMC, anterior MA and ASC could be identified by our proposed electrocardiographic characteristics in order to safely perform RFCA.