# Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Superior Vena Cava–Right Atrium Spontaneous Conduction Block Line Durability Using the White‐Line Approach of Extended Early Meets‐Late Rate Tools

**Authors:** Yoshiaki Mizunuma, Masao Takahashi, Takafumi Sasaki, Koichiro Yamaoka, Hirofumi Kujiraoka, Tomoyuki Arai, Rintaro Hojo, Seiji Fukamizu

PMC · DOI: 10.1002/joa3.70161 · Journal of Arrhythmia · 2025-07-31

## TL;DR

This study shows that a white-line approach using a mapping tool effectively and durably isolates the superior vena cava in heart procedures.

## Contribution

The study introduces and validates the long-term durability of the white-line approach for SVC isolation using the EEML tool.

## Key findings

- The white-line approach showed 100% durability in maintaining SVC isolation in the chronic phase.
- No significant difference in chronic SVC reconduction was found between the block and nonblock groups.
- The white-line approach using EEML tools is effective for long-term SVC isolation.

## Abstract

Superior vena cava (SVC)–right atrium (RA) spontaneous conduction block occurs in some patients. We demonstrated a novel approach for SVC isolation using visualization of the SVC–RA conduction block line as a white line with the extended early meets‐late (EEML) tool of the CARTO system. The long‐term durability of SVC isolation using white line has not been investigated.

Overall, 200 patients who underwent SVC isolation as atrial fibrillation therapy or additional procedures between May 2015 and April 2024 were included. We created an activation map of sinus rhythm, adjusted the EEML settings, and confirmed the white line. In the presence of a white line, we performed SVC isolation using the white line (block group); in its absence, we conducted encircling SVC isolation (nonblock group). If additional procedures were needed at follow‐up, repeat sessions were performed to identify the treatment targets, and SVC–RA mapping was performed. SVC–RA block line durability was defined as the SVC isolated area by voltage map at the additional session, including the white line of the first session. The SVC reconduction number between the two groups was compared, and SVC–RA spontaneous block line durability was confirmed in the block group.

Thirty‐one of 200 patients underwent additional procedures and follow‐up SVC–RA mapping. The chronic SVC reconduction ratio did not differ significantly between the two groups. SVC–RA spontaneous block line durability was maintained in all patients in the block line group (block group 12/12 [100%]).

SVC–RA spontaneous block visualized by using the white‐line approach of EEML tools had durability in the chronic phase.

Spontaneous superior vena cava (SVC)–right atrium (RA) conduction block lines, visualized as white lines using the extended early meets‐late (EEML) tool in the CARTO system, were associated with durable long‐term SVC isolation, supporting the efficacy of the white‐line approach.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** atrial fibrillation (MONDO:0004981)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Block (MESH:D006327), atrial fibrillation (MESH:D001281), Conduction (MESH:D054537), Vena (MESH:D013479)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12314191/full.md

## References

13 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12314191/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12314191