Radiofrequency catheter ablation in infants and children

Background: Diagnosis and treatment of paediatric arrhythmias remain challenging. Antiarrhythmic - drugs beta-blockers, class Ic and class III drugs, were the only treatment available for many years. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) was introduced for adult patients in 1981 and has been used for children since 1989. Questions remain regarding the efficacy and safety in paediatrics.Method: A retrospective analysis of patient records, 12 years and younger, at Leuven University Hospital, from January 2011 - July 2015 was performed.Results: From January 2011 - July 2015, 51 ablations were performed in 44 patients ≤12 years of age. Mean age was 7 years (range 3 weeks - 12 years), 11 (21.5%) ≤2 years; mean weight 16.5kg (range 3.4 - 56kg); average screening time 33.5min (SD } 22.7). Echocardiography was normal in 32 (72.7%) of patients. All cases were done under general anaesthesia. Diagnosis at electrophysiological study: Atrioventricular reentry tachycardia in 26 (50.9%), atrial ectopic tachycardia in 7 (13.7%), intra-atrial reentry tachycardia in 5 (9.8%), atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia in 11 (21.6%) and ventricular tachycardia in 2 (3.9%). RFCA was successful in 44 (86.3%) with recurrence rate of 13.7%. No signifi cant complications were noted.Conclusion: RFCA can be performed safely and effectively in even the very young. Recurrence and complication rates are similar to those reported in adults. RFCA should be the treatment of choice in selected paediatric patients.