[Radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia is as effective as rhythm surgery, but less stressful].

OBJECTIVE

To compare the long-term results of surgical modification and of radiofrequency (RF) catheter modification of the atrioventricular node (AV node), to combat recurrent atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT).

DESIGN

Retrospective descriptive.

SETTING

St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands.

METHOD: In the period 1988-1992, 26 patients underwent surgical modification and in 1991-1996, 120 patients were subjected to RF catheter modification of the AV node for recurrent AVNRT. The follow-up amounted to at least one year.

RESULTS

Surgery was immediately successful in 96%, and RF catheter ablation in 92%. A recurrence AVNRT was seen in 12 and 17% respectively, the ultimate success rates (after retreatment) were 100 and 98%. Three patients (3%) in the RF catheter ablation group developed a second or third-degree AV block necessitating pacemaker implantation. No third-degree AV block was seen in the surgical group. Mean follow-up was 53 months in the surgical group and 28 months in the RF catheter ablation group. Both procedures were accompanied by other supraventricular tachycardias, viz. in 27% of the surgical and in 11% of the RF catheterization ablation group.

CONCLUSION

RF catheter ablation for the treatment of AVNRT had early and long-term results comparable with those of rhythm surgery. Since catheter treatment is far less taxing to the patient than rhythm surgery, RF catheter ablation now constitutes the most appropriate method for treatment of this arrhythmia.