Atrial activation time and pattern of linear triple-site vs. single-site atrial pacing after cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation

Aims Multisite atrial pacing has been suggested to be effective in suppressing atrial fibrillation (AF), however, the effect of linear triple-site atrial pacing (LTSP) in humans has not been evaluated. We compared the effects of LTSP to single-site atrial pacing (SSP) on the atrial activation and wavefront propagation pattern in patients with persistent AF.Methods and resultsIn 10 patients with persistent AF, the effects of LTSP and SSP were evaluated by left atrial (LA) endocardial non-contact multielectrode array mapping and multipolar catheters. LTSP and SSP were delivered from the high right atrium (HRA), the distal coronary sinus (CS), and within the LA at the site showing maximal overlay of low-voltage zones during sinus rhythm and pacing at HRA and CS. Atrial activation time and pattern, P wave duration, and the prevention of AF induced by burst pacing were assessed with these pacing interventions. Compared with SSP, LTSP at the HRA, CS, and LA shortened atrial activation times (183 ± 24 vs. 174 ± 24 ms, 186 ± 29 vs. 166 ± 28 ms, and 171 ± 40 vs. 163 ± 39 ms; P < 0.05, respectively). P wave duration was shorter with LTSP than SSP at all three sites (141.7 ± 35.1 vs. 146.9 ± 38.5 ms, 138.1 ± 34.6 vs. 145.7 ± 33.7 ms, and 142.7 ± 33.4 vs. 151.3 ± 35.1 ms; P < 0.05, respectively). LTSP initially depolarized a larger area than SSP, and produced more uniform and planar wavefront propagation. LTSP prevented the burst-induction of AF during LA pacing in 3 of 10 patients, while SSP was never successful.ConclusionIn patients with persistent AF, LTSP provided more rapid and uniform activation of the atria compared with SSP, which was associated with prevention of burst-induction of AF in some patients. Further study is required to determine whether LTSP can modify the substrate of chronic AF, leading to frank AF suppression.