The surgical approach to supraventricular arrhythmias

The relatively small amount of experience with the surgical treatment of supraventricular tachycardias due to abnormalities other than a Kent bundle has been reviewed. The surgical procedure is direct but may not be definitive. With increasing knowledge concerning the nature of the arrhythmias as well as the identification of the site of the heart from which they originate, it is hoped that definitive operation will be possible. The experience at Duke with the surgical interruption of Kent pathways has now evolved to the point that the patient can be successfully treated at a low risk and with the promise of a satisfactory result.