Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
[Ventricular tachycardia due to branch to branch re-entry]
J L Pasquié1, J C Macia, F Leclercq
1Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier 5. jl-pasquie@chu-montpellier.fr
Insights
Branch to branch re-entry ventricular tachycardia is a rare condition often seen in Steinert's disease. Ablation of the right bundle branch is the most effective treatment for this specific type of tachycardia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Anatomy
Context:
- Branch to branch re-entry ventricular tachycardia is a rare clinical entity.
- This circuit involves the His bundle branches, often occurring with left ventricular dilatation and conduction defects.
- It is frequently associated with Steinert's disease (myotonic dystrophy).
Purpose:
- To describe the rare entity of branch to branch re-entry ventricular tachycardia.
- To outline diagnostic criteria and effective treatment strategies.
Summary:
- Diagnosis can be challenging, relying on His potential recordings showing His activity preceding ventriculograms and variations in cycle lengths.
- Atrial capture without QRS modification may occur, but fusion excludes the diagnosis.
- Drug therapy is minimally effective; ablation of the right bundle branch of the His is the definitive treatment, successfully terminating the tachycardia.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of a rare tachycardia mechanism.
- Highlights the importance of electrophysiological study in diagnosis.
- Establishes right bundle branch ablation as the gold standard treatment, offering a definitive solution for patients.
Abstract:
Ventricular tachycardia due to branch to branch re-entry constitutes a rare clinical entity. This circuit is remarkable by the fact that it is made up of the branches or hemi-branches of the bundle of His bifurcation. They occur under specific conditions, with a combination of left ventricular dilatation and atrioventricular or intraventricular conduction defects. They are also very often found in Steinert's disease. A positive diagnosis can sometimes be difficult and relies on a variety of factors. Recording of the His potential shows His activity preceding each ventriculogram, and variations in spontaneous cycles between 2 ventriculograms preceded by variations between the 2 His potentials. Atrial capture without modification of the QRS is possible, but fusion excludes the diagnosis. Drug therapy is only slightly effective, and the best treatment is ablation of the right branch of the bundle of His, which stops the tachycardia definitively.
More Related Videos
06:57Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction
Published on: January 31, 2019
09:13Remote Magnetic Navigation for Accurate, Real-time Catheter Positioning and Ablation in Cardiac Electrophysiology Procedures
Published on: April 21, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias