Radiofrequency ablation of pediatric AV nodal reentrant tachycardia during the ice age: a single center experience in the cryoablation era.
BACKGROUND
Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) has proven to be an effective therapy in the pediatric population. However, concerns of inadvertent permanent AV nodal block have resulted in many pediatric programs adopting cryoablation as their primary ablation approach for AVNRT.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of the results of pediatric radiofrequency catheter ablation at a single institution over the most recent 5 years (January 2004 through December 2008) was performed. Acute, intermediate, and long-term success, along with the incidence of AV block, were determined.


RESULTS
There were 65 patients with a mean age of 12.1 + or - 5.2 years and weight of 46.5 + or - 17.3 kg who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for AVNRT. There was 100% acute success with no recurrences at a mean follow up of 32.5 months. Although two patients had a brief second-degree AV block, there was no permanent AV block of any degree.


CONCLUSIONS
The safety and efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation for pediatric AVNRT demonstrated in this study support its continued application and should not be abandoned as a method of treatment.
Division of Cardiology, Miami Children's Hospital, 3100 SW 62nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33155, USA. steven.fishberger@mch.com
Steven B
SB
Fishberger
Ruby
R
Whalen
Evan M
EM
Zahn
Elizabeth M
EM
Welch
Anthony F
AF
Rossi
D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D003452:Cryosurgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013611:Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome