An Anatomical Approach to Determine the Location of the Sinoatrial Node
During Catheter Ablation
Abstract
Introduction: The sinoatrial node (SAN) should be identified before
superior vena cava (SVC) isolation to avoid SAN injury. However, its
location cannot be identified without restoring sinus rhythm. This study
evaluated the usefulness of the anatomically defined SAN by comparing it
with the electrically confirmed SAN (e-SAN) and aimed to establish a
safe and more efficient anatomical reference for SVC isolation than the
previously reported reference of the roof of the right superior
pulmonary vein (RSPV roof). Methods and Results: The e-SAN was
identified as the earliest activation site in the electro-anatomical map
obtained during sinus rhythm. The anatomically defined SAN, the cranial
edge of the crista terminalis (CT) visualized with intracardiac
echocardiography (CT top), and the RSPV roof were tagged on one map. The
distance from the e-SAN to each reference was measured. Among 81
patients, the height of the e-SAN from the CT top was −3.5 ± 10.3 mm.
The e-SAN existed below 10 mm above the CT top in 78 (96%) patients and
below the RSPV roof in 77 (95%) patients. A longer SVC sleeve was
measured from 10 mm above the CT top compared to the RSPV roof (28.7 ±
11.2 vs. 22.5 ± 11.3 mm, p <0.001). Faster heart rate
predicted an e-SAN location higher than the CT top (adjusted OR [95%
CI]; per 10 bpm increase: 1.6 [1.15–2.22], p <0.01).
Conclusion: The CT top is useful in predicting the upper limit of the
e-SAN and can provide a useful reference for SVC isolation.