title: When, why, and how to perform cardiac radiofrequency catheter ablation.
abstract: Radiofrequency catheter ablative techniques provide a unique opportunity to cure dogs of certain supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, rather than simply controlling the rhythm with drug therapy. Accessory pathways, which can participate as one limb of a rapid, narrow complex tachyarrhythmia circuit, have a particularly high cure rate with radiofrequency catheter ablation. Focal atrial tachycardias also provide a substrate that can be amenable to ablation. Tachycardia-induced myocardial dysfunction resulting from frequent tachyarrhythmic episodes will resolve after a successful ablation. This report outlines the indications, equipment, and techniques used in dogs for performing catheter ablation with temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy delivery.
authors.affiliation: The Cincinnati Animal Referral and Emergency Center, 6995 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249, USA.
authors.forename: Kathy N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Timothy K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Knilans
authors.forename: Holly M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Irvin