Zusammenfassung
Durch die Induktion einer linearen Ablationsläsion, die sich vom Trikuspidalklappenring bis zur Einmündung der unteren Hohlvene in den rechten Vorhof erstreckt, kann typisches Vorhofflattern erfolgreich abladiert werden. Die Induktion solcher sogenannter Isthmusläsionen erfordert zumeist multiple Applikationen von Hochfrequenzenergie. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, abzuschätzen, ob durch direkte subendokardiale Infusionen ausreichend große Läsionen im Isthmus des rechten Vorhofs induziert werden können, um so die Möglichkeiten dieser Technik als Alternative bei der Ablation von typischen Vorhofflattern beurteilen zu können. Zudem sollten erste Infusionsablationen in der freien rechtsatrialen Wand versucht werden.
Methodik
Sieben Hunde (24±1 kg) wurden intubiert und beatmet. Bei jedem Tier wurden mittels eines speziellen 7 French deflektierbaren, bipolaren Elektrodenkatheters über ein zentrales Katheterlumen zunächst zwei sequentielle subendokardiale Infusionen durchgeführt. Als Infusat dienten hierzu jeweils 0.5 ml eines Gemisches von 95% igem Äthanol, Glyzerin und jodiertem Kontrastmittel, welches unter Röntgenkontrolle über eine Injektionsdauer von 5 Sekunden in den rechtsatrialen Isthmus infundiert wurde. Nach diesen Isthmusinfusionen erfolgte bei jedem Tier eine weitere Injektion in die freie atriale Wand. Vor und nach den einzelnen Ablationsinfusionen erfolgte eine programmierte atriale Stimulation.
Ergebnisse
Die bei den 7 Tieren insgesamt durchgeführten 14 Isthmusinfusionen erzeugten Ablationsläsionen mit einem mittleren Volumen von 0.21±0.18 ml. Die mittlere Länge der Läsionen betrug 12±5 mm, bei einer Breite von 6±3 mm und einer Tiefe von 6±4 mm. Bei 5/7 Tieren überbrückte die Läsion den Isthmus vollständig. Das pathologische Läsionsvolumen im Isthmusbereich korrelierte zudem mit r=0.9 mit dem röntgenologisch sichtbarem Ablationsareal auf dem Cine-Film. 4 von 6 Ablationsinfusionen in die freie Vorhofswand führten zum Übertritt des Infusates in den Perikardbeutel. Ablationsbedingte Störungen des Erregungsleitungssystems traten bei keinem Tier auf. Der Blutdruck sowie der mittlere Vorhofdruck änderte sich nicht signifikant. Die erzeugten Läsionen waren nicht proarrhytmisch während programmierter Stimulation.
Fazit
Direkte subendokardiale Infusionen sind im Bereich des rechtsatrialen Isthmus komplikationslos durchführbar. Hierbei erlaubt die röntgenologische Darstellung der Ablationsinfusion eine Abschätzung der erzeugten Läsions-größe. Für Ablationen an der freien Vorhofwand erscheinen direkte Infusionen zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt wegen des hohen Perforationsrisikos nur wenig geeignet.
Summary
Ablation of typical atrial flutter using radiofrequency energy is limitted by difficulties in creating a continuous line of block across the istmus between the tricuspid anulus and the inferior vena cava. Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that a novel infusion ablation technique can create large endocardial lesions in a safe and predictable fashion. The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility of transcatheter subendocardial infusion of a mixture of 95% enthanol, iodinated contrast and glycerin to create atrial lesions resulting in complete ablation of the critical isthmus mediating typical atrial flutter.
Methods
Seven closed-chest dogs (weight 24±1 kg) were studied during general anesthesia with isoflurane. Two transcatheter subendocardial infusions of 0.5 cc of ethanol, contrast medium and glycerin were made over an injection time of 5 s into the posterior right atrial isthmus in each dog. Staining of the target site was monitored on fluoroscopy. Sinus rate, AH interval and AV block cycle length were determined before and after infusion ablation. Arterial blood pressure and right atrial pressure were continuously recorded. Six infusion ablations were also performed in the lateral wall of the right atrium. Lesion dimensions were measured pathologically, thereafter.
Results
A total of 14 infusions was made in the isthmus of the right atrium. The mean lesion volume was 0.21±0.18 cc. The lesions were 6±3 mm in width, the length was 12±5 mm and the average deepness was 6±4 mm. An ablation of the entire isthmus was, achieved in five dogs. Disturbances in AV conduction were not observed after ablation in any dog. The isthmus lesions were not proarrhythmic during programmed stimulation. 4/6 infusion ablations in the lateral atrial wall caused a penetration of contrast media of the pericardial sac. Hemodynamic deterioration was not seen after any ablation attempt.
Conclusions
Direct subendocardial insusions can be used to create large ablation lesions in the posterior right atrium. The lesion size is predictable and can be directly visualized on fluoroscopy. Infusion ablations into the right atrial isthmus do not cause damage to the AV node or to the right coronary artery. Transcatheter infusions in the posterior right atrium seem to be promising for ablation of the entire isthmus mediating typical atrial flutter. Additional studies of this technique in an arrhythmia model seem warranted.
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Goette, A., Honeycutt, C., Hartung, W. et al. Direkte subendokardiale Katheterinfusion als neues Ablationsverfahren von rechtsatrialen Arrhythmien. Herzschr Elektrophys 8, 129–136 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03042501
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03042501