Transcatheter ablation of the accessory pathway in 2 patients with life-threatening tachyarrhythmias

Successful transcatheter ablation of an accessory pathway in 2 patients with life-threatening tachyarrhythmias is reported. In both cases, electrophysiological evaluation documented the posterior septal location of the anomalous atrioventricular connection. Radiofrequency current energy was delivered just below the coronary sinus orifice, and resulted in disappearance of preexcitation. During the follow-up, both patients remained free from tachyarrhythmias on no medication, and serial electrocardiographic recordings confirmed the persistent absence of preexcitation. It is concluded that ablation of accessory pathways can be accomplished easily and without risk by means of the radiofrequency catheter technique. This therapeutic modality requires a short hospitalization and can be recommended as the first option in patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.