Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in children aided by the LocaLisa mapping system

AIMS: In young patients, slow pathway ablation for treatment of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) carries a small but definite risk of permanent AV block. The aim was to assess the efficacy of slow pathway ablation aided by the LocaLisa mapping system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Radiofrequency (RF) modification of the slow AV nodal pathway was performed in 26 children < 19 years of age (median age 9.8 years, range 3-18.9). Three measures to limit the risk of AV block were applied: (1) use of LocaLisa, a non-fluoroscopic mapping system, to determine and mark the location of the AV node/His bundle axis, and monitor ablation catheter position, (2) continuous atrial stimulation during RF delivery to monitor AV conduction, and (3) gradual increase of RF power during RF ablation. RESULTS: AVNRT was rendered non-inducible in all patients. Dual AV physiology was abolished in 24/26 patients; 2 patients had single atrial echoes at the end of the procedure. At follow-up, AVNRT recurred in 3 patients (including the above 2), necessitating a second procedure. The median number of RF applications was 4 (3-8); median fluoroscopy time was 16 (7-33)min. One patient developed transient second-degree AV block, with full recovery within 6 weeks of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: RF modification of the slow AV nodal pathway in children can be safely accomplished, achieving the ideal end-point of abolishing dual AV physiology, aided by use of the LocaLisa mapping system.