[The catheter ablation of tachyarrhythmias. The experience of the Hospital de Santa Cruz].

BACKGROUND

First results of tachyarrhythmia's direct current (DC) and radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation in Portugal (St. Cruz Hospital, Carnaxide).

POPULATION AND

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the first 20 patients (P) submitted to catheter ablation in our Center: 11 males and 9 females, aging 36 years (SD 14), with drug-refractory symptomatic tachyarrhythmias. DC ablation was used in the first case and RF current in the nineteen subsequent P.

RESULTS

Accessory pathway RF ablation: 92% successful rate (12/13 P); AV nodal modification: fast pathway--1 P (DC ablation), slow pathway--3 P (RF ablation) with one case of late clinical recurrence; two successful His bundle ablation (in paroxysmal atrial flutter/fibrillation) one standard right side and other from left ventricle outflow; one successful RF ablation of a verapamil-sensitive ventricular tachycardia. The mean follow-up was 3.5 months (1 to 7 months for RF and 20 months for DC ablation).

CONCLUSIONS

Catheter ablation (mainly RF current) is highly effective in tachyarrhythmia's suppression, with 90% global success in our experience without morbidity.