Catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias originating from the region
of DGCV-AIV via a Swartz sheath support approach
Abstract
BACKGROUND For ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originating from the left
ventricular epicardium adjacent to the transitional area from the great
cardiac vein to the anterior interventricular vein (DGCV-AIV), the most
efficient catheter manipulation approach has not been fully elucidated.
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate a more appropriate catheter
manipulation approach for DGCV-AIV VAs. METHODS One hundred twenty-three
consecutive patients with DGCV-AIV VAs were retrospectively analyzed.
All these patients were firstly mapped and ablated by conventional
approach (Non-Swartz sheath support (NS) approach). When target sites
not been reached, Swartz sheath support (SS) approach was attempted. If
target sites still unreached, the hydrophilic coated guide wire and left
coronary angiographic catheter-guided deep engagement of Swartz sheath
in GCV to support ablation catheter was performed. RESULTS A total of
one hundred three VAs (103/123, 83.74%) were successfully eliminated in
DGCV-AIV. By NS approach, the tip of catheter reached DGCV in 39.84%
VAs (49/123), reached target sites in 35.87% VAs (44/123), and achieved
successful ablation in 30.89% VAs (38/123), which was significantly
lower than by SS approach (88.61% (70/79), 87.34 % (69/79), and
84.81% (67/79), P<0.05). In left anterior oblique (LAO) view,
angle between DGCV and AIV<83° indicated an inaccessible AIV
by catheter tip with a predictive value of 94.5%. Width/height of
coronary venous system>0.69 more favored a SS approach with
a predictive value of 87%. CONCLUSION For RFCA of VAs arising from
DGCV-AIV, the SS approach facilitates the catheter tip achieve target
sites and contributes to a successful ablation.