[Successful transvenous electric ablation of the AV conduction system in therapy-refractory atrial flutter]

The technique of closed-chest ablation of the atrioventricular (AV) conduction system was used in 3 patients (53-62 years of age) with atrial flutter not responding to medical management. A persistent third-degree AV block was induced in all patients. Moderate increases in CK and CKMB enzymes but not in Tc-pyrophosphate uptake were observed in these patients. 5 days after the procedure a permanent pacemaker was implanted in each case. We conclude that closed-chest ablation of the AV conduction system is a safe and efficient procedure in selected patients with drug-resistant supraventricular arrhythmias.