Author(s)

Milko K. Stoyanov, Tchavdar N. Shalganov

Cardiology Department, National Heart Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.

The superior vena cava (SVC) is known to be a potential source of focal atrial tachycardias. Not uncommonly these tachycardias trigger atrial fibrillation or flutter. Focal ablation is safe and effective in eliminating arrhythmogenic foci within the SVC. We present the case of a patient with focal atrial tachycardia arising from the SVC. During presumably focal ablation inadvertent electrical isolation of the SVC from the right atrium was achieved, with restoration of sinus rhythm in the atria and persistence of the tachycardia within the SVC.

Atrial Tachycardia; Superior Vena Cava; Mapping; Electrical Isolation; Catheter Ablation

Stoyanov, M. and Shalganov, T. (2012) Inadvertent isolation of a focal tachycardia within the superior vena cava. World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 2, 316-320. doi: 10.4236/wjcd.2012.24050.