Postablation Peri-Mitral Flutter Terminated by Vein of Marshall Ethanol Infusion and Extra Epicardial Ablation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall (EIVOM), combined with radiofrequency catheter ablation, has been shown to facilitate atrial fibrillation management and achieve bidirectional mitral isthmus (MI) block. However, the anatomic variations of vein of Marshall (VOM) may influence procedural efficacy and should be considered. CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old man with persistent atrial fibrillation underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation with the 2C3L (pulmonary vein isolation and linear ablations across the mitral isthmus, left atrial rooftop, and cavotricuspid isthmus) strategy. Despite adequate endocardial ablation and conventional epicardial ablation via the coronary sinus, recurrent peri-mitral flutter developed. EIVOM was subsequently attempted to reinforce the MI block but proved insufficient. Finally, targeted intracoronary sinus epicardial ablation at the proximal VOM terminated the flutter and achieved durable bidirectional block. DISCUSSION: Although EIVOM has proven value in facilitating MI block, its anatomy-dependent efficacy necessitates comprehensive consideration evaluation in clinical practice. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: The effectiveness of EIVOM depends on VOM anatomy, and meticulous extra epicardial ablation may be required to achieve complete MI block.
Source: JACC Case Reports
Authors: Xuepeng Zheng, Ming Yu, Hongliang Yang, Huan Sun, Daoyuan Si, Yuquan He
Institution: Jilin University
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $850
OpenAlex ID: W4416965334
