New techniques of mapping and ablation for tachyarrhythmias in children

Advancement in mapping and ablation technologies in the past decade has made arrhythmia treatment in children safer and more effective. Electroanatomical mapping systems with features of nonfluoroscopic navigation, 3D-geometry construction and color-coded arrhythmia mapping have been extensively used to map and ablate tachycardias in children. In addition, a variety of cooled radiofrequency ablation systems have been used in selected patients to create larger and deeper lesions. Cryoenergy ablation, with its reversible nature of tissue injury during the cooling phase, is emerging as the energy of choice for ablating perinodal arrhythmias to minimize the risk of inadvertent conduction block. Other evolving ablation systems, including cryoballoon, high-intensity focused ultrasound balloon and a hybrid catheter capable of delivering both radiofrequency and cryoenergy, are also under investigation. Finally, a remote navigation system that minimizes radiation exposure and will enable physicians of all skill levels to reach difficult target sites in children is on the horizon.