Coronary Sinus Electrophysiology and Arrhythmogenesis: Historical Developments

Background-The junction between the coronary sinus (CS) musculature and both atria contributes to initiation of atrial tachyarrhythmias. The current study investigated the effects of CS isolation from the atria by radiofrequency catheter ablation on the induction and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results-Using an optical mapping system, we mapped action potentials at 256 surface sites in 17 isolated and arterially perfused canine atrial tissues containing the entire musculature of the CS, right atrial septum, posterior left atrium, left inferior pulmonary vein, and vein of Marshal. Rapid pacing from each site before and after addition of acetylcholine (0.5 μmol/L) was applied to induce AF. Epicardial radiofrequency catheter ablation at CS-atrial junctions isolated the CS from the atria. Rapid pacing induced sustained AF in all tissues after acetylcholine. Microreentry within the CS drove AF in 88% of preparations. Reentries associated with the vein of Marshall (29%), CS-atrial junctions (53%), right atrium (65%), and pulmonary vein (76%) (frequently with 2-4 simultaneous circuits) were additional drivers of AF. Radiofrequency catheter ablation eliminated AF in 13 tissues before acetylcholine (P<0.01) and in 5 tissues after acetylcholine. Radiofrequency catheter ablation also abbreviated the duration of AF in 12 tissues (P<0.01). Conclusions-CS and its musculature developed unstable reentry and AF, which were prevented by isolation of CS musculature from atrial tissue. The results suggest that CS can be a substrate of recurrent AF in patients after pulmonary vein isolation and that CS isolation might help prevent recurrent AF. (Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2014;7:1181-1188.)

show abstract

“…3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][13][14][15]17,22 The CS has been associated with initiation and maintenance of AF in 35% of patients …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The CS musculature can also be a source of triggered activity 11 and delayed conduction at the CS musculature and junctions between the CS and both atria. Such conduction delay also provides substrates for macroreentrant activity.…”

Section: Clinical Perspective On P 1188mentioning

confidence: 99%