Introduction
The mapping of atrial arrhythmia has evolved rapidly over the last two
decades, most notably with the advances in computer assisted topographic
electrogram feature representations via electroanatomic mapping systems
(EAM). The collection of thousands of datapoints via multielectrode
catheter platforms has increased our level of confidence in arrhythmia
diagnosis and treatment. However, the multielectrode catheters used in
the atrium have largely been based on the original spiral or circular
catheters designed primarily for segmental pulmonary vein isolation.
Approaches to catheter ablation of atrial arrhythmia is evolving and the
introduction of a planar catheter consisting of an equally spaced grid
of electrodes is radically different from the traditional spiral shape
and heralds a new era in high definition and high resolution mapping of
atrial substrate and complex atrial arrhythmias. There is little data on
the efficacy and safety of this novel design in a longitudinal cohort
whereas there is abundant data on the circular mapping catheter. Here we
will be using the diagnostic Advisor™ HD Grid mapping catheter (Figure
1) (Abbott, Plymouth, MN) to describe our initial experience with
mapping and treatment of atrial arrhythmia using this novel catheter
design.