Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology
Published on: May 26, 2015
Interactions between two simultaneous tachycardias within an electrically isolated pulmonary vein.
Thomas Rostock1, Mark D O'Neill, Yoshihide Takahashi
1Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque, Bordeaux, France. rostock@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Pulmonary vein tachycardias (PVT) can sustain atrial fibrillation (AF) through reentry. This case shows two distinct PVTs interacting in a "ping-pong" manner within an isolated pulmonary vein.
Area of Science:
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Pulmonary vein (PV) arrhythmogenicity is a key mechanism in maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Potential mechanisms include enhanced automaticity, triggered activity, and reentry.
- Sustained PV tachycardias (PVT) after electrical disconnection from the left atrium are rarely reported, often suggesting reentry.
Observation:
- A patient with paroxysmal AF presented with PVT within an isolated PV.
- High-density mapping was utilized for detailed electrophysiological analysis.
- The mapping revealed two distinct PVTs operating in a unique
- ping-pong
- manner.
Findings:
- The observed PVT exhibited electrophysiological features consistent with a reentrant mechanism.
- The interaction between two separate PVTs within a single isolated PV was documented.
- This interaction pattern suggests complex reentrant circuits can develop and persist independently.
Implications:
- This case highlights a novel mechanism for PVT maintenance in AF.
- Understanding these complex reentrant interactions may lead to improved ablation strategies for refractory AF.
- Further research into "ping-pong" PVT could refine therapeutic approaches for atrial fibrillation.
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
28:13Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Related Concept Videos
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias