[Long-term outcome of AV node modulation in 387 consecutive patients with AV nodal reentrant tachycardia]

Aim of this study was to assess the long-term results of AV-node modulation in patients with AV nodal reetrant tachycardia.

From December 1991 until September 1999, AV node modulation (ablation of the fast pathway or ablation/modification of the slow pathway) was performed in 387 consecutive patients with clinically apparent AV nodal reentrant tachycardia. Follow-up data was available in 95% of patients with a mean of 41 +/- 26 months after ablation.

Acute success rate was 97%. During long-term follow-up recurrence rate was 7.4% without any difference between fast and slow pathway ablation. Recurrence occurred in 23% of patients with persistent dual AV node physiology after ablation (modification of the slow pathway) in contrast to 3% without dual AV node physiology (ablation of the slow pathway) (p = 0.002). The presence of a dual AV node physiology after slow pathway modulation was the only predictor of recurrence during long-term follow-up. The complication rate was 5.7%. The incidence of complete heart block was 1% without any difference between fast and slow pathway ablation.

Catheter modulation of the AV node for the treatment of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia is effective and safe. During long-term follow-up, the recurrence rate was low. Modulation of the slow pathway is associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate than ablation of the slow pathway.