Mechanism of atrial flutter occurring late after orthotopic heart transplantation with atrio-atrial anastomosis

Joseph E. Marine, Claudio D. Schuger, Frank Bogun, Gautham Kalahasty, Fabian Arnaldo, Barbara Czerska, Subramaniam C. Krishnan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: We sought to better define the electrophysiologic mechanism of atrial flutter in patients after heart transplantation. Background: Atrial flutter is a recognized problem in the postcardiac transplant population. The electrophysiologic basis of atrial flutter in this patient population is not completely understood. Methods: Six patients with cardiac allografts and symptoms related to recurrent atrial flutter underwent diagnostic electrophysiologic study with electroanatomic mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation. Comparison was made with a control nontransplant population of 11 patients with typical counterclockwise right atrial flutter. Results: In each case, mapping showed typical counterclockwise activation of the donor-derived portion of the right atrium, with concealed entrainment shown upon pacing in the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI). The anastomotic suture line of the atrio-atrial anastomosis formed the posterior barrier of the reentrant circuit. Ablation of the electrically active, donor-derived portion of the CTI was sufficient to terminate atrial flutter and render it noninducible. Comparison with the control population showed that the electrically active portion of the CTI was significantly shorter in patients with transplant-associated flutter and that ablation was accomplished with the same or fewer radiofrequency lesions. Conclusions: Atrial flutter in cardiac transplant recipients is a form of typical counterclockwise, isthmus-dependent flutter in which the atrio-atrial anastomotic suture line forms the posterior barrier of the reentrant circuit. Ablation in the donor-derived portion of the CTI is sufficient to create bidirectional conduction block and eliminate this arrhythmia. Ablation or surgical division of the donor CTI at the time of transplantation could prevent this arrhythmia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)412-420
Number of pages9
JournalPACE - Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology
Volume28
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atrial flutter
  • Heart transplantation
  • Radiofrequency catheter ablation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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