[The radiofrequency ablation of accessory pathways in 100 consecutive patients with supraventricular tachycardias]

The purpose of this study is to describe the results and the complications of radiofrequency catheter ablation, of accessory pathways in 100 consecutive patients. We had one patient with two pathways. Of the 101 accessory pathways, 56 were overt and 45 concealed. Only 19 patients have had a previous electrophysiology study, in the others, the study and the ablation were performed simultaneously. The location of the accessory pathways were as follows: 61 pathways in the free wall of the left ventricle, 4 in the free wall of the right ventricle, 25 in the left posteroseptal region, 9 in the right posteroseptal region and 2 in the right anteroseptal area. The time required for the diagnostic component of the electrophysiology study, the ablation procedure and the fluoroscopic time was recorded for each patient. Ninety-one of 101 accessory AV connections were successfully ablated (90%). Our success rate for the initial attempt was 87%. We had the opportunity to do a second attempt in only 4 out of 14 patients. The mean time of the procedure, including the electrophysiology test and the ablation was 95.6 %/-55.3 minutes. We have had a recurrence of 9% and 4% of non fatal complications. Radiofrequency catheter ablation can be performed safely and with a high success rate.