Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
10:39
Rat Model of Right-Sided Cardiac Remodeling and Arrhythmia Using Pulmonary Artery Banding
Published on: August 30, 2024
Two completely separated arrhythmias in one single heart chamber
Robert Schoenbauer1, Yan Huo, Gerd Hindricks
1Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289 Leipzig, Deutschland, Germany. robert.schoenbauer@gmx.at
Summary
A patient with atypical atrial flutter underwent ablation. The study identified a distinct pulmonary vein (PV) tachycardia independent of perimitral flutter, both successfully treated by mitral isthmus ablation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- A 61-year-old male presented with symptomatic atypical atrial flutter.
- The condition was suspected to be a consequence of prior intraoperative cryoablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation during open heart surgery.
Observation:
- Electrophysiological study revealed an inducible tachycardia originating from the electrically isolated left inferior pulmonary vein (PV).
- A separate perimitral flutter was also inducible using a standard protocol, yet the PV tachycardia persisted independently.
Findings:
- Ablation of the mitral isthmus successfully eliminated both the perimitral flutter and the distinct pulmonary vein tachycardia.
- This suggests the mitral isthmus plays a crucial role in maintaining complex atrial tachycardias post-cardiac surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for distinct, coexisting reentrant circuits after cardiac surgery and ablation.
- Targeting the mitral isthmus may be an effective strategy for managing complex atrial tachycardias involving pulmonary veins.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and optimal management of such arrhythmias.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
01:28Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
01:18Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
01:29Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.
01:28Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...