Cicatrix-Related Atrial Tachycardia
Pronunciation: SIK-uh-triks
An atrial arrhythmia that circuits around scar tissue, often occurring after cardiac surgery or previous ablation. Characterized by macro-reentrant circuits.
Full Definition
Cicatrix-related atrial tachycardia refers to organized atrial arrhythmias that utilize scar tissue as an integral part of their reentrant circuit. These tachycardias commonly develop following cardiac surgery, particularly involving atriotomies, or after previous catheter ablation procedures. The scar tissue creates areas of slow conduction and unidirectional block, providing the substrate for sustained macro-reentrant circuits. These arrhythmias can be challenging to treat and may require detailed electroanatomical mapping to identify the critical isthmus between scar boundaries. Treatment typically involves catheter ablation targeting the narrow conducting channels or isthmuses that are essential for circuit maintenance.
Usage
Usage note: Cicatrix is the medical term for scar tissue. Often seen in post-operative patients or after previous ablation.
In Context
- "Voltage mapping revealed extensive cicatrix in the posterior left atrium with cicatrix-related atrial tachycardia." — electrophysiology report
- "The patient developed cicatrix-related atrial tachycardia six months after mitral valve surgery." — clinical assessment