Value of three dimensional electroanatomic mapping system in guiding radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial arrhythmias

Objective To investigate the value and advantage of electroanatomic mapping system(CARTO) in guiding ablation of atrial arrhythmias. Methods Linear ablation was performed in 15 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(Af) and 10 with persistent Af after reconstruction of left atrium with CARTO. Ablation was performed after left or right atrial activation sequence mapping guided by CARTO in 4 patients with right atrial tachycardia and 3 with left atrial tachycardia. Results Electrical isolation was achieved in 14 patients with paroxysmal Af under sinus rhythm, and in 10 patients with persistent Af and one patient with paroxysmal Af under AF. Atrial tachycardia was converted to sinus rhythm during ablation procedure in all 7 patients. Mean procedure and X-exposure time were 220 min and 48 min for AF ablation, and 86 min and 20 min for atrial tachycardia ablation, respectively. No complication occured in all patients. Conclusion It is safe and effective to treat AF with circumferential isolation of pulmonary veins guided by CARTO. CARTO is useful in designing ablation line of atrial tachycardia, shortening X-ray exposure time and improving successful rate.