Clinical mapping approach to diagnose electrical rotors and focal impulse sources for human atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The perpetuating mechanisms for human atrial fibrillation (AF) remain undefined. Localized rotors and focal beat sources may sustain AF in elegant animal models, but there has been no direct evidence for localized sources in human AF using traditional methods. We developed a clinical computational mapping approach, guided by human atrial tissue physiology, to reveal sources of human AF.

Methods and results

In 49 AF patients referred for ablation (62 ± 9 years; 30 persistent), we defined repolarization dynamics using monophasic action potentials (MAPs) and recorded AF activation from 64-pole basket catheters in left atrium and, in n = 20 patients, in both atria. Careful positioning of basket catheters was required for optimal mapping. AF electrograms at 64-128 el

SUBMITTER: Narayan SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3418865 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature