Analyze Diet
Journal of veterinary internal medicine2022; 36(4); 1481-1490; doi: 10.1111/jvim.16473

Detection of the origin of atrial tachycardia by 3D electro-anatomical mapping and treatment by radiofrequency catheter ablation in horses.

Abstract: Atrial tachycardia (AT) can be treated by medical or electrical cardioversion but the recurrence rate is high. Three-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping, recently described in horses, might be used to map AT to identify a focal source or reentry mechanism and to guide treatment by radiofrequency ablation. Objective: To describe the feasibility of 3D electro-anatomical mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation to characterize and treat sustained AT in horses. Methods: Nine horses with sustained AT. Methods: Records from horses with sustained AT referred for radiofrequency ablation at Ghent University were reviewed. Results: The AT was drug resistant in 4 out of 9 horses. In 8 out of 9 horses, AT originated from a localized macro-reentrant circuit (n = 5) or a focal source (n = 3) located at the transition between the right atrium and the caudal vena cava. In these 8 horses, local radiofrequency catheter ablation resulted in the termination of AT. At follow-up, 6 out of 8 horses remained free of recurrence. Conclusions: Differentiation between focal and macro-reentrant AT in horses is possible using 3D electro-anatomical mapping. In this study, the source of right atrial AT in horses was safely treated by radiofrequency catheter ablation.
Publication Date: 2022-06-09 PubMed ID: 35686355PubMed Central: PMC9308432DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16473Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study examines the use of 3D electro-anatomical mapping and radiofrequency catheter ablation for treating atrial tachycardia (AT) in horses. The research found that AT often originates from a specific location in the right atrium or the caudal vena cava, and that this method could successfully treat AT and prevent recurrences.

Objective and Methods

In this research study, the team aimed to utilise a new method, 3D electro-anatomical mapping, to pinpoint the origin of AT in horses, to better guide the treatment with radiofrequency ablation. The study involved nine horses who were pre-diagnosed with sustained AT and had been referred for radiofrequency ablation at Ghent University.

  • The 3D electro-anatomical mapping was used to create a complete layout of the electrical activity within the horse’s heart, allowing the researchers to identify where the AT was originating from.
  • The radiofrequency catheter ablation allowed the team to directly address the area from where the AT was emerging.

Results

From the nine horses in the study, AT in four was found to be resistant to drugs. The AT in eight of the nine horses was found to stem from a localized macro-reentrant circuit or a focal source, located at the transition between the right atrium and the caudal vena cava.

  • Macro-reentrant circuit refers to a condition in which the electrical signals in the heart form a circular pathway, causing rapid heartbeats.
  • A focal source refers to one specific area that is causing the rapid heartbeats.

In the eight cases where the problem area was identified, performing local radiofrequency catheter ablation resulted in the termination of AT.

Conclusions

The results of the study showed that the mentioned technique was not only effective during treatment but also in keeping AT at bay, with six out of the eight treated horses remaining free of recurrence. It was concluded that the differentiation between focal and macro-reentrant AT is feasible using 3D electro-anatomical mapping. The researchers demonstrated the use of radiofrequency catheter ablation as a safe treatment for right atrial AT in horses. Thus, this study has important implications for future treatments in veterinary cardiology.

Cite This Article

APA
Van Steenkiste G, Boussy T, Duytschaever M, Vernemmen I, Schauvlieghe S, Decloedt A, van Loon G. (2022). Detection of the origin of atrial tachycardia by 3D electro-anatomical mapping and treatment by radiofrequency catheter ablation in horses. J Vet Intern Med, 36(4), 1481-1490. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16473

Publication

ISSN: 1939-1676
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 36
Issue: 4
Pages: 1481-1490

Researcher Affiliations

Van Steenkiste, Glenn
  • Equine Cardioteam Ghent University, Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Boussy, Tim
  • Department of Cardiology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium.
Duytschaever, Mattias
  • Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan, Bruges, Belgium.
Vernemmen, Ingrid
  • Equine Cardioteam Ghent University, Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Schauvlieghe, Stijn
  • Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
Decloedt, Annelies
  • Equine Cardioteam Ghent University, Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
van Loon, Gunther
  • Equine Cardioteam Ghent University, Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Catheter Ablation / veterinary
  • Electric Countershock / veterinary
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Atria / surgery
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Tachycardia / veterinary

Grant Funding

  • BOF.BAS.2018.0022.01 / Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds
  • 1S56217N / Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

Conflict of Interest Statement

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 48 references
  1. van Loon G. Cardiac Arrhythmias in Horses.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2019 Apr;35(1):85-102.
    pubmed: 30871832doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2018.12.004google scholar: lookup
  2. Van Steenkiste G, De Clercq D, Vera L, Decloedt A, van Loon G. Sustained atrial tachycardia in horses and treatment by transvenous electrical cardioversion.. Equine Vet J 2019 Sep;51(5):634-640.
    pubmed: 30648752doi: 10.1111/evj.13073google scholar: lookup
  3. Whelchel DD, Tennent-Brown BS, Coleman AE, Rapoport GS, Blas-Machado U, Maisenbacher HW, Credille BC, Giguère S. Treatment of supraventricular tachycardia in a horse.. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2017 May;27(3):362-368.
    pubmed: 28267896doi: 10.1111/vec.12591google scholar: lookup
  4. Van Loon G, Jordaens L, Muylle E, Nollet H, Sustronck B. Intracardiac overdrive pacing as a treatment of atrial flutter in a horse.. Vet Rec 1998 Mar 21;142(12):301-3.
    pubmed: 9569496doi: 10.1136/vr.142.12.301google scholar: lookup
  5. Saoudi N, Cosío F, Waldo A, Chen SA, Iesaka Y, Lesh M, Saksena S, Salerno J, Schoels W. A classification of atrial flutter and regular atrial tachycardia according to electrophysiological mechanisms and anatomical bases; a Statement from a Joint Expert Group from The Working Group of Arrhythmias of the European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology.. Eur Heart J 2001 Jul;22(14):1162-82.
    pubmed: 11440490doi: 10.1053/euhj.2001.2658google scholar: lookup
  6. van Loon G. Atrial premature complexes and atrial tachycardia. In: Durando M, ed. Clinical Veterinary Advisor. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2012:54‐55.
  7. van Loon G. Atrial flutter. In: Durando M, ed. Clinical Veterinary Advisor: The Horse. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2011:52‐53.
  8. Segal OR, Koa‐Wing M, Jarman J, Peters N, Markides V, Davies DW. Intracardiac mapping. In: Macfarlane PW, van Oosterom A, Pahlm O, Kligfield P, Janse M, Camm J, eds. Comprehensive Electrocardiology. London: Springer; 2011:1165‐1191.
  9. Murgatroyd FD, Krahn AD. In: Krahn FD, Andrew M, eds. Handbook of Cardiac Electrophysiology. London: Remedica; 2003. 320 p.
  10. Hesselkilde E, Linz D, Saljic A, Carstensen H, Kutieleh R, Jespersen T, Sanders P, Buhl R. First catheter-based high-density endocardial 3D electroanatomical mapping of the right atrium in standing horses.. Equine Vet J 2021 Jan;53(1):186-193.
    pmc: PMC7818172pubmed: 32285961doi: 10.1111/evj.13265google scholar: lookup
  11. Van Steenkiste G, L V, Decloedt A, Schauvliege S, Boussy T, van Loon G. Endocardial electro-anatomic mapping in healthy horses: Normal sinus impulse propagation in the left and right atrium and the ventricles.. Vet J 2020 Apr;258:105452.
    pubmed: 32564870doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105452google scholar: lookup
  12. Katritsis DG, Boriani G, Cosio FG, Hindricks G, Jaïs P, Josephson ME, Keegan R, Kim YH, Knight BP, Kuck KH, Lane DA, Lip GY, Malmborg H, Oral H, Pappone C, Themistoclakis S, Wood KA, Blomström-Lundqvist C, Gorenek B, Dagres N, Dan GA, Vos MA, Kudaiberdieva G, Crijns H, Roberts-Thomson K, Lin YJ, Vanegas D, Caorsi WR, Cronin E, Rickard J. European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document on the management of supraventricular arrhythmias, endorsed by Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Estimulación Cardiaca y Electrofisiologia (SOLAECE).. Europace 2017 Mar 1;19(3):465-511.
    pubmed: 27856540doi: 10.1093/europace/euw301google scholar: lookup
  13. Reef VB, Bonagura J, Buhl R, McGurrin MK, Schwarzwald CC, van Loon G, Young LE. Recommendations for management of equine athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities.. J Vet Intern Med 2014 May-Jun;28(3):749-61.
    pmc: PMC4895474pubmed: 24628586doi: 10.1111/jvim.12340google scholar: lookup
  14. Hesselkilde EM, Isaksen JL, Petersen BV, Carstensen H, Jespersen T, Pehrson S, Kanters JK, Buhl R. A novel approach for obtaining 12-lead electrocardiograms in horses.. J Vet Intern Med 2021 Jan;35(1):521-531.
    pmc: PMC7848388pubmed: 33274799doi: 10.1111/jvim.15980google scholar: lookup
  15. Verheyen T, Decloedt A, De Clercq D, Deprez P, Sys SU, van Loon G. Electrocardiography in horses – part 1: how to make a good recording. Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift 2010;79:331‐336.
  16. Vernemmen I, Van Steenkiste G, Dufourni A, Decloedt A, van Loon G. Transvenous electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in horses: Horse and procedural factors correlated with success and recurrence.. J Vet Intern Med 2022 Mar;36(2):758-769.
    pmc: PMC8965264pubmed: 35246994doi: 10.1111/jvim.16395google scholar: lookup
  17. Van Steenkiste G, De Clercq D, Boussy T, Vera L, Schauvliege S, Decloedt A, van Loon G. Three dimensional ultra-high-density electro-anatomical cardiac mapping in horses: methodology.. Equine Vet J 2020 Sep;52(5):765-772.
    pubmed: 31954064doi: 10.1111/evj.13229google scholar: lookup
  18. Maury P, Champ-Rigot L, Rollin A, Mondoly P, Bongard V, Galinier M, Carrié D, Marminia E, Capellino S, Marty L, Milliez P. Comparison between novel and standard high-density 3D electro-anatomical mapping systems for ablation of atrial tachycardia.. Heart Vessels 2019 May;34(5):801-808.
    pubmed: 30456724doi: 10.1007/s00380-018-1307-1google scholar: lookup
  19. De Clercq D, van Loon G, Schauvliege S, Tavernier R, Baert K, Croubels S, De Backer P, Deprez P. Transvenous electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in six horses using custom made cardioversion catheters.. Vet J 2008 Aug;177(2):198-204.
    pubmed: 17920965doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.08.019google scholar: lookup
  20. van Loon G, Van Steenkiste G, Vera L, Decloedt A. Catheter-based electrical interventions to study, diagnose and treat arrhythmias in horses: From refractory period to electro-anatomical mapping.. Vet J 2020 Sep;263:105519.
    pubmed: 32928488doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105519google scholar: lookup
  21. Brugada J, Katritsis DG, Arbelo E, Arribas F, Bax JJ, Blomström-Lundqvist C, Calkins H, Corrado D, Deftereos SG, Diller GP, Gomez-Doblas JJ, Gorenek B, Grace A, Ho SY, Kaski JC, Kuck KH, Lambiase PD, Sacher F, Sarquella-Brugada G, Suwalski P, Zaza A. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with supraventricular tachycardiaThe Task Force for the management of patients with supraventricular tachycardia of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).. Eur Heart J 2020 Feb 1;41(5):655-720.
    pubmed: 31504425doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz467google scholar: lookup
  22. Hindricks G, Potpara T, Dagres N, Arbelo E, Bax JJ, Blomström-Lundqvist C, Boriani G, Castella M, Dan GA, Dilaveris PE, Fauchier L, Filippatos G, Kalman JM, La Meir M, Lane DA, Lebeau JP, Lettino M, Lip GYH, Pinto FJ, Thomas GN, Valgimigli M, Van Gelder IC, Van Putte BP, Watkins CL. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS): The Task Force for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Developed with the special contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC.. Eur Heart J 2021 Feb 1;42(5):373-498.
    pubmed: 32860505doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa612google scholar: lookup
  23. Dembek KA, Hurcombe SD, Schober KE, Toribio RE. Sudden death of a horse with supraventricular tachycardia following oral administration of flecainide acetate.. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2014 Nov-Dec;24(6):759-63.
    pubmed: 25388866doi: 10.1111/vec.12251google scholar: lookup
  24. Young LE, van Loon G. Diseases of the heart and vessels. In: Hinchcliff KW, Kaneps AJ, Geor RJ, eds. Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery: Basic and Clinical Sciences of the Equine Athlete. Saunders: Philadelphia PA USA; 2014:695‐743.
  25. Santilli RA, Perego M, Crosara S, Gardini F, Bellino C, Moretti P, Spadacini G. Utility of 12-lead electrocardiogram for differentiating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias in dogs.. J Vet Intern Med 2008 Jul-Aug;22(4):915-23.
  26. Qian ZY, Hou XF, Xu DJ, Yang B, Chen ML, Chen C, Zhang FX, Shan QJ, Cao KJ, Zou JG. An algorithm to predict the site of origin of focal atrial tachycardia.. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2011 Apr;34(4):414-21.
  27. Jaïs P, Matsuo S, Knecht S, Weerasooriya R, Hocini M, Sacher F, Wright M, Nault I, Lellouche N, Klein G, Clémenty J, Haïssaguerre M. A deductive mapping strategy for atrial tachycardia following atrial fibrillation ablation: importance of localized reentry.. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2009 May;20(5):480-91.
  28. Yokokawa M, Latchamsetty R, Ghanbari H, Belardi D, Makkar A, Roberts B, Saint-Phard W, Sinno M, Carrigan T, Kennedy R, Suwanagool A, Good E, Crawford T, Jongnarangsin K, Pelosi F Jr, Bogun F, Oral H, Morady F, Chugh A. Characteristics of atrial tachycardia due to small vs large reentrant circuits after ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation.. Heart Rhythm 2013 Apr;10(4):469-76.
    pubmed: 23266406doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2012.12.018google scholar: lookup
  29. Teh AW, Kistler PM, Kalman JM. Using the 12-lead ECG to localize the origin of ventricular and atrial tachycardias: part 1. Focal atrial tachycardia.. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2009 Jun;20(6):706-9; quiz 705.
  30. Kistler PM, Roberts-Thomson KC, Haqqani HM, Fynn SP, Singarayar S, Vohra JK, Morton JB, Sparks PB, Kalman JM. P-wave morphology in focal atrial tachycardia: development of an algorithm to predict the anatomic site of origin.. J Am Coll Cardiol 2006 Sep 5;48(5):1010-7.
    pubmed: 16949495doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2006.03.058google scholar: lookup
  31. Santilli RA, Perego M, Perini A, Moretti P, Spadacini G. Electrophysiologic characteristics and topographic distribution of focal atrial tachycardias in dogs.. J Vet Intern Med 2010 May-Jun;24(3):539-45.
  32. Santilli RA, Ramera L, Perego M, Moretti P, Spadacini G. Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atypical atrial flutter in dogs.. J Vet Cardiol 2014 Mar;16(1):9-17.
    pubmed: 24461642doi: 10.1016/j.jvc.2013.10.002google scholar: lookup
  33. Mansour M, Ruskin J, Keane D. Initiation of atrial fibrillation by ectopic beats originating from the ostium of the inferior vena cava.. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2002 Dec;13(12):1292-5.
  34. Goya M, Ouyang F, Ernst S, Volkmer M, Antz M, Kuck KH. Electroanatomic mapping and catheter ablation of breakthroughs from the right atrium to the superior vena cava in patients with atrial fibrillation.. Circulation 2002 Sep 10;106(11):1317-20.
  35. Vandecasteele T, Van Den Broeck W, Tay H, Couck L, van Loon G, Cornillie P. 3D reconstruction of the porcine and equine pulmonary veins, supplemented with the identification of telocytes in the horse.. Anat Histol Embryol 2018 Apr;47(2):145-152.
    pubmed: 29314148doi: 10.1111/ahe.12334google scholar: lookup
  36. Linz D, Hesselkilde E, Kutieleh R, Jespersen T, Buhl R, Sanders P. Pulmonary vein firing initiating atrial fibrillation in the horse: Oversized dimensions but similar mechanisms.. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2020 May;31(5):1211-1212.
    pubmed: 32108401doi: 10.1111/jce.14422google scholar: lookup
  37. Ibrahim L, Vanhove C, Descamps B, van Loon G, Cornillie P. Morphology of myocardial sleeves in the caudal vena cava of the horse heart. 33rd EAVA Congress, Ghent University: Ghent Belgium; 2021.
  38. Dong J, Zrenner B, Schreieck J, Deisenhofer I, Karch M, Schneider M, Von Bary C, Weyerbrock S, Yin Y, Schmitt C. Catheter ablation of left atrial focal tachycardia guided by electroanatomic mapping and new insights into interatrial electrical conduction.. Heart Rhythm 2005 Jun;2(6):578-91.
    pubmed: 15922263doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2005.03.014google scholar: lookup
  39. Cosío FG. Atrial Flutter, Typical and Atypical: A Review.. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2017 Jun;6(2):55-62.
    pmc: PMC5522718pubmed: 28835836doi: 10.15420/aer.2017.5.2google scholar: lookup
  40. Bai R, Di Biase L, Mohanty P, Dello Russo A, Casella M, Pelargonio G, Themistoclakis S, Mohanty S, Elayi CS, Sanchez J, Burkhardt JD, Horton R, Gallinghouse GJ, Bailey SM, Bonso A, Beheiry S, Hongo RH, Raviele A, Tondo C, Natale A. Ablation of perimitral flutter following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: impact on outcomes from a randomized study (PROPOSE).. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2012 Feb;23(2):137-44.
  41. Aktas MK, Khan MN, Di Biase L, Elayi C, Martin D, Saliba W, Cummings J, Schweikert R, Natale A. Higher rate of recurrent atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation following atrial flutter ablation after cardiac surgery.. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2010 Jul;21(7):760-5.
  42. Kuniss M, Vogtmann T, Ventura R, Willems S, Vogt J, Grönefeld G, Hohnloser S, Zrenner B, Erdogan A, Klein G, Lemke B, Neuzner J, Neumann T, Hamm CW, Pitschner HF. Prospective randomized comparison of durability of bidirectional conduction block in the cavotricuspid isthmus in patients after ablation of common atrial flutter using cryothermy and radiofrequency energy: the CRYOTIP study.. Heart Rhythm 2009 Dec;6(12):1699-705.
    pubmed: 19959115doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2009.09.012google scholar: lookup
  43. Das M, Loveday JJ, Wynn GJ, Gomes S, Saeed Y, Bonnett LJ, Waktare JEP, Todd DM, Hall MCS, Snowdon RL, Modi S, Gupta D. Ablation index, a novel marker of ablation lesion quality: prediction of pulmonary vein reconnection at repeat electrophysiology study and regional differences in target values.. Europace 2017 May 1;19(5):775-783.
    pubmed: 27247002doi: 10.1093/europace/euw105google scholar: lookup
  44. Markowitz SM, Lerman BB. Ablation of nonisthmus‐dependent flutters and atrial macroreentry. Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias. Elsevier ‐ Health Sciences Division: Amsterdam, The Netherlands; 2019:187‐204.
  45. Ertuğrul İ, Karagöz T, Aykan HH. A rare complication of radiofrequency ablation: skin burn.. Cardiol Young 2015 Oct;25(7):1385-6.
    pubmed: 25613639doi: 10.1017/s1047951114002741google scholar: lookup
  46. Shah RU, Freeman JV, Shilane D, Wang PJ, Go AS, Hlatky MA. Procedural complications, rehospitalizations, and repeat procedures after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.. J Am Coll Cardiol 2012 Jan 10;59(2):143-9.
    pmc: PMC5340189pubmed: 22222078doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2011.08.068google scholar: lookup
  47. Vernemmen I, Vera L, Van Steenkiste G, van Loon G, Decloedt A. Reference values for 2-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography in Friesian and Warmblood horses.. J Vet Intern Med 2020 Nov;34(6):2701-2709.
    pmc: PMC7694853pubmed: 33098342doi: 10.1111/jvim.15938google scholar: lookup
  48. Decloedt A, Verheyen T, Van Der Vekens N, Sys S, De Clercq D, van Loon G. Long-term follow-up of atrial function after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in horses.. Vet J 2013 Sep;197(3):583-8.
    pubmed: 23823082doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.05.032google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Buschmann E, Van Steenkiste G, Boussy T, Vernemmen I, Schauvliege S, Decloedt A, van Loon G. Three-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping and radiofrequency ablation as a novel treatment for atrioventricular accessory pathway in a horse: A case report.. J Vet Intern Med 2023 Mar;37(2):728-734.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.16668pubmed: 36866668google scholar: lookup