Initial experience of radiofrequency catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia in paediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION

The management of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in paediatric patients until recently has frequently been pharmacologic therapy, but this approach suffers from the drawbacks of treatment failure, development of drug intolerance and/or side-effects.

AIM: In keeping with recent advances in paediatric cardiology, we share our experience with radiofrequency catheter ablation as an alternative and definitive modality of therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: 4 young patients with recurrent SVT underwent electrophysiologic study followed by radiofrequency ablation of the accessory pathways.

RESULTS

Resolution of symptoms was achieved in all patients and no major complication was encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to ablate permanently the reentrant circuit responsible for SVT has now permitted cure by non-surgical means, and is an important alternative to drug therapy in the management of SVT in children.