Mechanisms of fractionated electrograms formation in the posterior left atrium during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in humans.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to study mechanisms of formation of fractionated electrograms on the posterior left atrial wall (PLAW) in human paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).
BACKGROUND: The mechanisms responsible for complex fractionated atrial electrogram formation during AF are poorly understood.
METHODS: In 24 patients, we induced sustained AF by pacing from a pulmonary vein. We analyzed transitions between organized patterns and changes in electrogram morphology leading to fractionation in relation to interbeat interval duration (systolic interval [SI]) and dominant frequency. Computer simulations of rotors helped in the interpretation of the results.
RESULTS: Organized patterns were recorded 31 ± 18% of the time. In 47% of organized patterns, the electrograms and PLAW activation sequence were similar to those of incoming waves during pulmonary vein stimulation that induced AF. Transitions to fractionation were preceded by significant increases in electrogram duration, spike number, and SI shortening (R(2) = 0.94). Similarly, adenosine infusion during organized patterns caused significant SI shortening leading to fractionated electrograms formation. Activation maps during organization showed incoming wave patterns, with earliest activation located closest to the highest dominant frequency site. Activation maps during transitions to fragmentation showed areas of slowed conduction and unidirectional block. Simulations predicted that SI abbreviation that heralds fractionated electrograms formation might result from a Doppler effect on wave fronts preceding an approaching rotor or by acceleration of a stationary or meandering, remotely located source.
CONCLUSIONS: During induced AF, SI shortening after either drift or acceleration of a source results in intermittent fibrillatory conduction and formation of fractionated electrograms at the PLAW.