Post-mortem observations of a recent radiofrequency catheter ablation site

The acute and chronic gross and microscopic morphologic changes present in myocardium after radiofrequency catheter ablation have been previously described in animal experiments. Acute changes have also been described in four cadaveric human specimens. We describe post-mortem observations of a recent radiofrequency catheter ablation site in a patient who underwent successful ablation for refractory ventricular tachycardia. Our gross and microscopic observations are similar to those previously described in animal experiments and confirm that the animal experimental results can be extrapolated to human hearts. As the use of radiofrequency becomes more prevalent as an alternative treatment for refractory cardiac tachycardias, pathologists will be called upon to identify post-mortem the lesions described. These lesions can be specifically identified, which can serve as a useful verification for this procedure.