Successful radiofrequency ablation of accessory pathways with the first energy delivery: the anatomic and electrical...

Successful ablation of accessory pathways has been achieved at the first energy delivery site in some patients, but factors permitting success at the first site are unclear. Accessory pathway location, surface and endocardial electrogram characteristics in each location were analysed and compared between the patients with first site block (group A, 34 patients) and those in whom multiple sites (median seven sites) were required (group B, 133 patients). No patients with right free-wall pathways had first site block. In group A surface electrocardiograms were more pre-excited (QRS duration: 132 +/- 20 vs 120 +/- 17 ms, P < 0.01). For left free-wall and septal pathways, the interval from the onset of the earliest delta wave on surface electrocardiogram to local ventricular activation (QRS-V) was more negative and the local atrioventricular interval (AV) was shorter in group A; the positive predictive value of a QRS-V < or = 0 ms, an AV < or = 30 ms and the presence of a possible accessory pathway potential was 67% for left free-wall and of a QRS-V < or = -10 ms with an AV < or = 30 ms was 100% for septal pathways. During retrograde mapping of concealed left free-wall and right anteroseptal pathways (first site block was not achieved in other locations) the positive predictive value of a local ventriculoatrial interval < or = 30 ms was 55%. Accessory pathway location correlated strongly with the chances of first site block, suggesting that anatomical features are important. Maximizing pre-excitation may be of benefit in achieving first site block. Delivery of energy to a site with special endocardial electrogram features was associated with an increased likelihood of first site block.