Catheter ablation techniques in managing arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND

Pharmacological management of arrhythmias is not curative, is sometimes difficult, and may be associated with significant morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses the place of catheter ablation in the treatment of arrhythmias.

DISCUSSION

Supraventricular and typical atrial flutter can be cured with catheter ablation in approximately 95% of cases with very low complication rates. Catheter ablation can successfully restore and maintain sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and should be considered in symptomatic patients not controlled on medical therapy before the initiation of amiodarone. Results for AF ablation are best in paroxysmal patients without structural heart disease. Ventricular tachycardia in patients without structural heart disease is readily treated with catheter ablation. Catheter ablation is an effective adjunct to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in patients with ventricular tachycardia postmyocardial infarction.