title: [Radiofrequency ablation of supraventricular re-entry tachycardia: a "new life" with a successful and complications-free method].
abstract: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the success rate and the satisfaction of patients after radiofrequency ablation of supraventricular tachycardias. 94 consecutive patients, 62 with AV-node-reentry-tachycardia (AVNRT) and 32 with AV-reentry-tachycardia (AVRT) were included. Success rate of ablation was 98% for AVNRT and 94% for AVRT. Recurrence rates were 11% and 9% respectively. The interval between the first tachycardia and ablation was very long (mean 17 +/- 14 years) and prior drug therapy was successful in only 13% of patients. Minor complications were observed in 12% and only one major complication (AV-fistula) was treated surgically. No pacemaker had to be implanted due to a complete AV-block. After ablation 96% of patients were "strongly satisfied" or "satisfied" with the procedure and their relief of symptoms. In addition limitations in all investigated activities (everyday-life, work, sport, hiking, travelling, sexual activity) were significantly reduced (all p < 0.005).
authors.affiliation: Kardiologie, Universitätskliniken, Kantonsspital Basel, Basel.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schaer
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Corn
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Osswald
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000523:psychology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013611:Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*