[The survey on radiofrequency catheter ablation in Chinese military hospitals]

To analyze the cumulative data of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in the treatment of tachyarrhythmias in Chinese military hospitals.

Chinese PLA Cardiology Association sponsored the registration and statistical analysis. RFCA results were registered from January 1, 1993 to December 30, 2000 and from January 1, 2001 to December 30, 2003 respectively.

(1) A total of 14 599 patients from 42 hospitals underwent RFCA, RFCA was successful in 14 092 of 14 599 (success rate 96.5%) with a complication rate 0.5% (72/14599) and recurrence rate 2.8% (400/14 599). (2) The number of patients with accessory pathway (AVRT) and AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) were 8344 and 4822 respectively. (3) High success rate was maintained in AVNRT and AVRT ablation, success rate was significantly improved in the treatment of PVCs. Atrial fibrillation and non-idiopathic ventricular tachycardia ablation presented high recurrence rate with 27% and 21.3% respectively. The total number of complication was 72 cases, in which complete AV block and cardiac tamponade accounted for 31.9% (23/72) and 26.4% (19/72) respectively.

RFCA for the treatment of tachyarrhythmias was rapidly developed in Chinese military hospitals. Improving the level of technical training and practice will play an important role in reducing complication and recurrence rate.