Quantitative Analysis of Surface P-Wave Morphology in Isthmus Ablation for Type 1 Atrial Flutter : Differentiation Between Complete Isthmus Block and Slow Isthmus Conduction

Changes in P-wave morphology in inferior leads during atrial pacing at the margins of the carvo-tricuspid isthmus have been reported to be useful for predicting the creation of isthmus block in radiofrequency (RF) ablation of type 1 atrial flutter (AFL). However, it is not known whether these changes in P-wave morphology allow the clinician to differentiate between complete isthmus block and slow isthmus conduction. P-wave morphology during low lateral right atrial (LLRA) pacing, as well as during coronary sinus ostium (PCS) pacing, was evaluated prior to ablation, during slow isthmus conduction, and after complete isthmus block in 30 patients with AFL. Changes in P-wave morphology during LLRA pacing were not sufficient to differentiate between complete isthmus block and slow isthmus conduction. While changes in P-wave morphology in lead II from inverted to biphasic during PCS pacing were observed in both slow isthmus conduction and complete isthmus block, the ratio of the positive component to the total P-wave amplitude (P-wave ratio) was significantly different between slow isthmus conduction (20±17%) and complete isthmus block (40±11%)(P<0.0001). When the P-wave ratio in lead II during PCS pacing was more than 75% of the F-wave ratio in lead II during AFL, bilateral complete isthmus block was predicted with a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 71%, a positive predictive value of 75%, and a negative predictive value of 85%. These results indicate that a P-wave ratio greater than 20% or a P-wave ratio during PCS pacing greater than 75% of the F-wave ratio during AFL may predict a bidirectional complete isthmus block.