Long-term outcome of catheter ablation therapy of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias

Summary

Aim:
The aim of the article is presentation of our results and experiences with radiofrequency catheter ablation (CA) in the therapy of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Patients and methods:
From 1996 to 2009, 1 485 patients underwent CA (total procedure number – 1 627). The group consist of 772 patients with paroxysmal atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT): 484 women, mean age 50.3 ± 16.4 years; 312 patients with atrioventricular reentry tachycardia (AVRT): 145 women, mean age 40.1 ± 14.9 years; 391 patients with typical atrial flutter (AF): 96 women, mean age 61.6 ± 11 years; and 64 patients with atrial tachycardia (AT): 35 women, mean age 53.6 ± 14.2 years, focal AT 33, macroreentrant AT 31. CA was performed for more than one type of arrhythmia in 54 patients.

Results:
Acute ablation success was achieved in 98.7 % of patients with AVNRT, 94.6% of patients with AVRT, 97.7% of patients with AF, and 81.3% of patients with AT. Serious procedure complications occurred in 22 patients (1.4%). The recurrence rate was 1.8 – 12.5%. 88 patients underwent successful reablation procedure. Long-term ablation success was achieved in 89–99 % of patients depending on the different type of arrhythmia. During the long-term follow-up (mean 73 ± 38 months) died 23 patients, the most common cause of death was malignancy (9 patients).

Conclusion:
Our long-term experience and good results documented high success rate and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation in the therapy of patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Key words:
radiofrequency ablation – supraventricular tachyarrhythmia – atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia – atrioventricular reentry tachycardia – typical atrial flutter – atrial tachycardia