Radiofrequency current catheter ablation for control of supraventricular arrhythmias

With the advent of radiofrequency energy, catheter ablation techniques have become an accepted form of treatment for a variety of supraventricular arrhythmias. The ablation of the atrioventricular (AV) node was performed first and is now widely used in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation or flutter. Ablation has also replaced surgery in patients with preexcitation syndromes, and as the complication rate in experienced centers is low, it has become the first line of treatment in these institutions. The results of catheter ablation in AV nodal reentrant tachycardia are excellent as well, although there is still debate about whether "slow" pathway ablation is superior to "fast" pathway ablation. Radiofrequency current ablation has also contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of AV nodal reentrant tachycardia, as it has provided evidence for atrial participation in the reentrant circuit. Experience with atrial tachycardias and tachycardias due to Mahaim fibers remains limited. The ideal source of energy for specific arrhythmias is still unknown and improvement in catheter technology is needed.