A Retrograde Transaortic/Transmitral Approach for Radiofrequency Ablation of Adenosine-Sensitive Atrial Tachycardia Arising Near the Apex of Koch’s Triangle: A Case Study Approach and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Atrial tachycardias (ATs) are relatively uncommon and their mechanisms include reentry or may be focal. The characteristics and radiofrequency (RF) ablation of adenosine-sensitive AT arising near the apex of Koch’s triangle have been reported. We report a case of successful RF ablation of this tachycardia by using a retrograde transaortic/transmitral approach. An electrophysiological study performed during sinus rhythm showed continuous anterograde atrioventricular nodal and no ventriculoatrial conduction. The tachycardia could be induced and terminated by atrial extrastimulation and rapid atrial pacing. Although inverse resetting response pattern was observed, tachycardia termination by intravenous low-dose adenosine was rather suggestive of triggered activity as the mechanism. The earliest atrial activation was recorded in the His-bundle region. After ineffective right-sided attempts and failure to find earlier atrial activity during mapping the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva, this tachycardia was successfully ablated from the left atrial septum by using a retrograde transaortic/transmitral approach. This report demonstrates the feasibility of a novel retrograde left atrial approach for RF ablation of adenosine-sensitive AT originating from the apex of Koch’s triangle.