Research Information System
International Journal of the Cardiovascular Academy , vol.6, no.4, pp.180-182, 2020 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Focal atrial tachycardia arising from the left atrial appendage (LAA) is less frequently encountered in clinical practice. Catheter ablation of this
focal tachycardia is the main treatment and has a high success rate. Surgical radiofrequency isolation plus external closure of the appendage is an
option in patients’ refractory to catheter methods. An 18‑year‑old male patient was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of tachycardia‑induced
cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction 35%). His electrophysiological study revealed a centrifugal activation pattern in the LAA where local atrial activation
was earliest. Sinus rhythm was not achieved despite multiple attempts. Surgery was planned to isolate the source of the refractory arrhythmia. LAA
of the patient was electrically isolated by using AtriCure® Synergy Ablation Clamp through the left anterior mini‑thoracotomy. Sinus rhythm was
restored right after successful isolation. AtriClip® PRO device was used to externally exclude the LAA to eliminate possible thrombus formation
in isolated appendage. Surgical ablation methods are valid and successful options in patients who are refractory to medical and catheter methods.
Dedicated arrhythmia teams (cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and cardiac surgeons) have the potential to increase patients’ outcomes.