Temperature-controlled radiofrequency catheter ablation was successful in 94.9% of patients with AVNRT, accessory pathways, or the AVJ, with major complications occurring in 32 patients.
Observational (n=1,050)
Yes
Does temperature-controlled radiofrequency catheter ablation safely and effectively treat arrhythmias in patients with AVNRT, AP, or AVJ?
Temperature-controlled radiofrequency catheter ablation is highly successful for AVNRT, AP, and AVJ, with specific patient and procedural factors predicting success, recurrence, and complications.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a temperature-controlled radiofrequency catheter ablation system. METHODS AND RESULTS: The patient population included 1050 patients who had undergone ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), an accessory pathway (AP), or the atrioventricular junction (AVJ). Ablation was successful in 996 patients. The probability of success was highest among patients who had undergone ablation of the AVJ, lowest in patients who had undergone ablation of an AP, and in between for patients who had undergone ablation of AVNRT. A major complication occurred in 32 patients. Four variables predicted ablation success (AVJ, AVNRT, or left free wall AP ablation and an experienced center). Four factors predicted arrhythmia recurrence (right free wall, posteroseptal, septal, and multiple APs). Two variables predicted development of a complication (structural heart disease and the presence of multiple targets), and 3 variables predicted an increased risk of death (heart disease, lower ejection fraction, and AVJ ablation). CONCLUSIONS: These findings may serve as a guide to clinicians considering therapeutic options in patients who are candidates for ablation.
Calkins et al. (1999) conducted an observational in Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, accessory pathway, or atrioventricular junction (n=1,050). Temperature-controlled radiofrequency catheter ablation was evaluated on Ablation success. Temperature-controlled radiofrequency catheter ablation was successful in 94.9% of patients with AVNRT, accessory pathways, or the AVJ, with major complications occurring in 32 patients.