Ablation of a Focal Atrial Tachycardia originated in the Tip of a Left
Atrial Appendage ligation stump by LAA electrical isolation using a
cryo-balloon
Abstract
Left atrial appendage (LAA) has been known as a source of focal atrial
tachycardias (AT)。Radio-frequency (RF) energy based focal ablation of
these arrhythmias was a common strategy in most cases. However, catheter
ablation in these foci remains challenging due to the complexity of the
LAA anatomy. Sometimes an epicardial approach is an alternative when
endocardial ablation of LAA fails. Cryo-balloon based LAA isolation may
be considered before epicardial access3。We report a patient with focal
atrial tachycardia originated in the tip of a LAA ligation stump (he
underwent a heart valve mitral bio-prostheses replacement and had his
LAA ligated during the operation years ago), who, being refractory to
focal RF ablation, received a LAA isolation using a cryo-balloon which
successfully terminated the tachycardia and converted the patient to
sinus rhythm.