Electroanatomic mapping Theoretical considerations During conventional electrophysiology (EP) procedures, catheters are manually navigated with the use of single or bi-plane fluoroscopy. An inherent limitation of fluoroscopic navigation is that orientation…
Radiofrequency ablation Radiofrequency (RF) ablation induces tissue necrosis by heating the targeted tissue. Most cardiac ablation systems deliver RF energy between a unipolar platinum-iridium electrode at the tip of the…
Basic intervals Basic intervals during sinus rhythm represent a quantitative assessment of the electrical activation of the heart. Normal atrial activation begins at the sinus node, spreads to the low…
Sinus bradycardia Sinus rates less than 60 beats per minute (bpm) are defined as bradycardia in adults. , Lower rates are common in well-trained athletes and occasionally in the young….
Patient preparation Patients should be studied in the postabsorptive state and after beta blockers or other antiarrhythmic agents have been discontinued for at least 5 days. Amiodarone should be withdrawn…
Some of the descriptive terms conventionally used for cardiac structures are inaccurate. Conventionally the heart and its associated structures have been described in accordance with their position when the heart…
Electrode catheters Basic mapping catheters Catheters used for electrophysiology studies (EPSs) and ablation are composed of multiple insulated wires encased in woven Dacron or polyurethane. Electrodes used in electrophysiology (EP)…
Normal excitation of the heart Cardiac electrical activity starts by the spontaneous excitation of “pacemaker” cells in the sinoatrial node in the right atrium. Pacemaker automaticity is due to spontaneous…
Bradyarrhythmias are due to sinus nodal disease ( Box 1.1 ) or atrioventricular conduction block ( Box 1.2 ). Box 1.1 Sinus Node Dysfunction (with accompanying symptoms) Sinus bradycardia Sinoatrial…
Key Points • Surgical success can be defined as the downgrading of the patient’s lymphedema grades with improved symptoms, at least a 10% decrease in circumferential difference, a decrease in…
