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Laser photoablation of experimental post-infarction ventricular tachycardia guided by three dimensional activation
G Wu1, R H Svenson, L Littmann
1Laser and Applied Technologies Laboratory, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina 28232, USA.
Background And Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of epicardially delivered laser energy to ablate induced ventricular tachycardia in a post-infarction canine model.
Study Design/Materials And Methods:
In 13 canines, the left anterior wall myocardial infarction was created. Five days later, 240 plunged electrodes were inserted into the heart. Three-dimensional ventricular activation sequences were analyzed on line by a computerized mapping system.
Results:
Sixteen sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardias were reproducibly induced in 10 canines. Epicardially contacted Nd:YAG laser irradiated the areas of the final pathway in macro-reentrant activation and the impulse origin in focal excitation. Linear photocoagulation lesions (11-16 x 50-72 mm) were created. Seven macro-reentrant circuits and six of nine focal origins were eliminated (success rate 81%). Pathology showed that laser photocoagulation involved all surviving subepicardial and intramural fibers.
Conclusion:
Epicardially delivered laser energy in conjunction with electrical activation mapping has a high probability of ablating post-infarction ventricular tachycardia.