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Endocardial activation maps can be
constructed by different methods, including non-fluoroscopic electrophysiological
navigation, non-contact mapping, and basket electrode systems. The advantages of the
latter are simultaneous multisite acquisition of activation times, construction of the
activation map from a single beat data, and possible use of a conventional
electrophysiologic recorder. However, real-time isochronous map construction and
display are possible only using a dedicated computerized system.
We performed 7 mapping studies in 5 patients with atrial tachycardia and 2 patients
with ventricular tachycardia. The correct deployment of the basket electrode was
easily achieved in all patients. The basket electrode was positioned either in the right
atrium or in the left ventricle. 79% of 32 electrode dipoles during atrial studies and 94%
during ventricular studies had a good contact with the cavity wall and allowed the use
of bipolar electrograms for map construction. The orientation of the basket was
determined according to 3 radioopaque markers on 3 of 8 basket splines. Additionally,
we could record up to 8 reference electrograms from other cardiac cavities. There
were no procedure related complications. A conventional electrophysiologic recorder
was used for recording the activation times and later a colour isochronal map was
constructed using a commercially available software.
All maps showed a clear picture of the spatiotemporal spread of activation during
tachycardia.
Basket electrode mapping is a safe and quick method for the study of tachycardias
and gives useful hints for ablation therapy. Due to fast determination of activation
sequences this technique is suitable also for mapping in difficult conditions (fast,
poorly tolerated ventricular tachycardias, non-sustained tachycardias).
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