Radiofrequency current catheter ablation of accessory atrioventricular pathways in Ebstein's anomaly

In patients with Ebstein's anomaly, localization of accessory pathways (APs) may be impeded by abnormal local electrograms recorded along the atrialized right ventricle and by the presence of multiple APs. The impact of these factors on radiofrequency (RF) current catheter ablation of APs has not been evaluated yet.

Twenty-one patients with Ebstein's anomaly and reentrant atrioventricular tachycardias underwent electrophysiological evaluation and subsequent attempts at RF catheter ablation. Thirty-four right-sided APs were found, with 30 located along the atrialized ventricle. Local electrograms in this region were normal in 10 patients but fragmented in 11. Fragmented electrograms prevented the clear distinction between atrial and ventricular activation potentials as well as the identification of AP potentials. Right coronary artery mapping was performed in 7 patients. Abolition of all 26 APs was achieved in the 10 patients with normal local electrograms and in 6 of 11 patients with abnormal electrograms. Right coronary artery mapping allowed AP localization and ablation in 5 patients. In the 5 patients with abnormal electrograms and a total of 8 APs, 6 APs could not be ablated. Unsuccessfully treated patients received antiarrhythmic drugs. During 22 +/- 12 months of follow-up, 5 patients had clinical recurrences, including 4 who had undergone a successful RF procedure.

In patients with Ebstein's anomaly and reentrant atrioventricular tachycardias, factors likely to account for failure of RF catheter ablation include an AP located along the atrialized right ventricle and the abnormal morphology of endocardial activation potentials generated in this region.