Catheter ablation of atrioventricular accessory pathways by radiofrequency current

Tachycardias mediated by atrioventricular accessory pathways, which are refractory to antiarrhythmic drug therapy have been treated both by surgery and by catheter ablation with high energy direct current shock. These procedures have variable success rates and substantial associated morbidity and mortality. Radiofrequency ablation, a newer, low-energy technique is potentially safer and more effective. Of 110 patients with 117 accessory pathways, 101 were located on the left side and 16 on the right. Accessory pathway conduction was abolished permanently in 101 (91.8%) patients. VA conduction dissociation and VA decremental conduction were found in 88 and 13 successful patients, respectively. Four (3.9%) patients with decremental VA conduction suffered arrhythmia recurrence after a mean of 8 months follow-up. Complications developed in two patients including right femoral vein thrombosis and left ventricular insufficiency. There were no deaths from the procedure. We conclude that radiofrequency current ablation is a safe and effective interventional modality for patients with symptomatic tachycardias mediated by atrioventricular accessory pathways.