Transcatheter modification of the atrioventricular node using radiofrequency energy

120 consecutive patients with symptomatic atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) underwent catheter ablation using radiofrequency energy. Fast pathway ablation was attempted in the first 16 consecutive patients by application of radiofrequency current in the anterior and superior aspect of the tricuspid annulus. Successful results were accomplished in 13 patients, complete AV block occurred in three. The other 104 patients initially underwent ablation of the slow pathway in the posterior and inferior aspects of the tricuspid annulus which was successful in 98 patients. The remaining six patients subsequently underwent a fast pathway ablation with successful results in four and AV block in two. Therefore, 102 (98%) of the last 104 patients became free of AVNRT while maintaining intact AV conduction. This study demonstrates that both AV nodal conduction pathways can be selectively ablated. However, slow pathway ablation seems safer and should be considered as the first approach.