In-hospital results of radiofrequency ablation of supraventricular tachycardia.

Two hundred and one consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) underwent a diagnostic electrophysiological test and catheter ablation with radiofrequency (RF) current. In 102 (51%) patients, the mechanism of PSVT was found to be atrioventricular nodal reentry (AVNRT, typical in 101, atypical in 1). Atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) involving accessory pathway was present in 94 (47%) and ectopic atrial tachycardia in 5 patients. A successful outcome was achieved in 100 of 102 patients (98%) with AVNRT and in 85 of 94 patients (90%) with AVRT. The anatomical approach was used for ablation in patients with AVNRT. The focus was ablated in 4 patients with ectopic atrial tachycardia whereas it was modified in the remaining one patient. Procedure-related complications occurred in 4 patients (2 AVNRT, 2 AVRT). One patient each developed haemothorax, pericardial effusion, mitral valve endocarditis and high-grade AV block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. The electrode and ablation catheters were repeatedly used after ethylene oxide sterilisation to reduce the cost of the procedure. RF ablation is an effective, safe and curative modality of treatment for patients with symptomatic PSVT due to AVNRT and AVRT. The experience with this modality in patients with ectopic atrial tachycardia is limited.