Transvenous radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia and its pitfalls: a rationale for cryoablation?

Int J Cardiol. 2006 Mar 22;108(1):6-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2005.05.030. Epub 2006 Feb 7.

Abstract

Today, radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is accompanied by a high success, a low recurrence, and a low complication rate. Despite the fact that over the years this technique has been refined, several shortcomings still remain. In this overview, the most important pitfalls in the treatment of AVNRT with RF energy are discussed. Cryotherapy has the ability to overcome some of them. Both ice mapping and cryo-adherence are important characteristics of this energy source to study prospective ablation sites before a definitive and irreversible lesion is created. Theoretically, this could lead to less applications with less tissue damage and abolish the risk for permanent conduction disturbances. The early experience with this technique will be described. Until now, it still has to be proven that in a large cohort of patients, cryotherapy is at least as effective, and safer than RF.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Cryosurgery / methods*
  • Cryosurgery / standards
  • Heart Block / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / surgery*