Impact of Accessory Pathway Location on Electrophysiologic Characteristics and Ablation Success.

BACKGROUND

To investigate the relationship between the location of accessory pathways, electrophysiologic characteristics, and ablation success in Wolfe-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.

METHODS

Electrophysiologic study was performed in 178 patients for a pre-excitation syndrome. Accessory pathway location, anterograde or retrograde conduction, ablation success, and recurrence rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 178 patients with WPW syndrome, the most frequent location of the accessory pathway was left lateral (39.3%) which had high ablation success rate (97%) and low recurrence rate (1%). A meaningful relationship exists between accessory pathway location and electrophysiologic characteristics. Ablation success rate was 89.7% and was statistically related to accessory pathway location. Recurrent occurred in 2.9% of our patients and was more frequent in right free wall and PJRT.

CONCLUSIONS

The location of accessory pathways has a great impact on conductivity, ablation success, and recurrence rate in WPW syndrome.