Escape rhythm from a partially disconnected pulmonary vein

Europace. 2009 Apr;11(4):523-6. doi: 10.1093/europace/eup039. Epub 2009 Feb 20.

Abstract

We present a 34-year-old patient with recurrent episodes of drug refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation referred for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation at our institution. During isolation of the right superior PV, a dissociated escape rhythm was observed on a portion of the PV that was disconnected, while the rest of the PV showed clear left atrium to PV conduction. This report demonstrates the rare possibility of escape PV rhythm from only partially disconnected PV, highlighting that dissociated PV rhythm does not necessarily reflect complete PV isolation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Veins / surgery*