Hands On
How to perform ethanol ablation of the vein of Marshall for treatment of atrial fibrillation
The arrhythmogenicity of the vein of Marshall (VoM) in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been known for more than 20 years.1 A recent randomized trial showed a reduced odds ratio (0.63; 95% confidence interval 0.41–0.97; P = .04) for the primary outcome of AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence in patients with persistent AF by adding VoM ethanol infusion (VoM-Et) to the standard ablation approach.2 The VoM is involved in 30% of ATs after AF ablation, and VoM ablation significantly improves the freedom from recurrent arrhythmia.Mitral isthmus ablation: A hierarchical approach guided by electroanatomic correlation
Mitral isthmus ablation is an established technique used to treat perimitral atrial flutter. The classic approach involves creating an ablation line connecting the left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV) to the lateral mitral annulus.1 Its feasibility was first prospectively studied by Jais et al,1 who reported a high rate of bidirectional block. However, subsequent studies by the same group, as well as others, have been less promising.2 This is important because failure to achieve bidirectional block with ablation has been shown to be proarrhythmic.Ablation above the semilunar valves: When, why, and how? Part II
In this two-part series on arrhythmias occurring above the semilunar valve, we discuss the relevant underlying anatomy and the technique for mapping and ablation above the aortic and pulmonic valve. In part I, we focused on ventricular arrhythmias, and in this paper (part II), we discuss the anatomy and present knowledge of the substrate mapped and ablated above the aortic valve for atrial tachycardia in certain unusual accessory pathways. The background anatomy of the aortic valve has been discussed in part I of this series, to which the reader is referred.
