Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ablation of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) with epicardial or intramural origins is technically challenging. Herein, we have described the successful ablation of left VAs via the coronary venous system (CVS) in conjunction with endocardial map guided by three-dimensional electroanatomical map in six patients. METHODS: Out of a total consecutive 84 patients with symptomatic idiopathic VAs, radiofrequency ablation via the CVS was performed on six patients (7%). Furthermore, we reviewed patient records and electrophysiologic studies with respect to clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Activation map was conducted in 5 patients, and the earliest activation sites were identified within the CVS. The preceding times to the onset of QRS complex were longer than those at the earliest endocardial sites (36.2 ± 5.6 ms vs. 14.2 ± 6.4 ms, p = 0.02, n = 5). Spiky fractionated long-duration potentials were recorded at the successful ablation sites in all 5 patients. The other patient received pacemapping only because of few spontaneous VAs during the procedure, and the best pacemap spot was found within the CVS. Irrigated catheters were required in 4 out of 6 patients because VAs were temporarily suppressed with regular ones. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic VAs can be ablated via the CVS in conjunction with endocardial mapping. Additionally, spiky fractionated long-duration potential can function as a clue to identify the good ablation site.