Long-term results of slow pathway ablation in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: simple approach.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to report the short- and long-term results of slow pathway radiofrequency (RF) ablation in patients with atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) using a simplified approach (2 catheters and short applications of RF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included consecutive patients with AVNRT. We used an anatomical approach with only 2 catheters. Decremental AV nodal conduction and atrial-His conduction interval jump were measured. To detect the onset of the QRS, we used surface lead II. During the stimulation protocol, we performed S2-QRS and S3-QRS measurements. An increase in the S3-QRS3 interval of 50 milliseconds or greater in response to a decrease in the S2-QRS2 coupling interval of 10 milliseconds was defined as a discontinuous AV nodal function curve and taken as evidence of dual antegrade AV pathways. Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia was demonstrated by the presence of dual AV nodal physiology, atrial echoes, and tachycardia induction with a 1:1 AV relationship and a VA interval of less than 70 milliseconds. Short RF applications (10-15 seconds) were delivered at an intermediate point between the posteroseptal and medioseptal regions of the Koch triangle. The applications were considered effective when junctional rhythm appeared. The end point was the demonstration of slow pathway modification without AVNRT induction. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-four patients (age, 49.22 ± 17.47 years; 254 were female) were included. Discontinuous AV nodal function curves were found in 271 patients (78.77%), and short-term success was achieved in all patients. The anterograde jump in AV nodal conduction was abolished after RF in 222 patients (81.91%), and discontinuous AV nodal conduction and single AV nodal echo beats persisted in 49 cases (18%). The mean number of RF application was 7.79 ± 2.23, the mean number of effective applications was 4.63 ± 0.62, and the mean RF application time was 54.92 ± 8.03 seconds. The total procedure and fluoroscopy time was 29.45 ± 9.6 and 10.87 ± 2.36 minutes, respectively. After the procedure, all patients were followed up for a mean of 46.44 ± 18.89 months, and 7 patients (2%) presented AVNRT recurrences. Complications were observed in 4 patients (1.16%); no permanent AV block was observed. CONCLUSION: In this study, slow pathway RF ablation using a simplified approach technique is an effective and safe approach for the treatment of AVNRT.

[The surgical treatment of nodal reentry tachycardia. The late results]. / Tratamento cirúrgico da taquicardia por reentrada nodal. Resultados tardios.

PURPOSE: To analyze the long-term results of surgical treatment of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNT). METHODS: From March 1987 to March 1990, 20 patients with AVNT were submitted to surgical therapy, 14 female, aged 12 to 70 (42.8 +/- 17) years. All presented crisis of AVNT from 6 months to 60 (18.4 +/- 15.9) years. Ten of them had syncope or near syncope and two with cardiac arrest during reversion of AVNT with antiarrhythmic drugs. They used 1 to 6 (3.75 +/- 1.45) antiarrhythmic drugs before surgery. The electrophysiologic study (EPS) showed the common form of AVNT in all cases. The surgical procedure was anatomically directed to the posterior area of the AV node. Programmed atrial stimulation (PAS) were applied on 18 patients after surgery. The long-term results were analysed by clinical evaluation, EPS and Holter when they were necessary. RESULTS: The postoperative PAS was done in 18 patients and did not induce any AVNT, even after atropine IV. The PR interval was 153 +/- 50 ms before and 152 +/- 38 ms after surgery (p > 0.05). During follow up (26 +/- 10 m) there were not AVNT recurrence. Two patients developed chronic atrial fibrillation after 24 months of surgery. CONCLUSION: The perinodal dissection technique used was safe and successful to treat AVNT, preserving AV nodal conduction.

Tratamento cirúrgico da taquicardia por reentrada nodal: resultados tardios / Long-term Results of Surgical Treatment of Atrioventricular Nodol Reentrant Tachycardia

Métodos - No período de março de 1987 a março de 1990, 20 portadores de TRN foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico, 14 do sexo feminino, com idades variando entre 12 e 70 (média 42,8 ± 17,1) anos. Apresentavam crises recorrentes de TRN de 6 meses a 60 anos (média de 18,4 15,9 anos ). Dez apresentaram síncopes ou présíncopes durante as crises e dois foram ressuscitados durante tentativa de reversão com drogas antiarrítmicas. Fizeram uso de 1 a 6 (média de 3,75 ± 1,45) drogas antiarrítmicas, sem sucesso. Todos foram submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico que caracterizou a forma comum de TRN. O procedimento cirúrgico foi semelhante em todos os casos, com dissecção profunda da região perinodal posterior. Seis pacientes submeteram-se a procedimentos cirúrgicos associados. Dezoito pacientes foram submetidos a estimulação atrial programada antes da alta hospitalar. A avaliação tardia resultou de observação clínica ambulatorial e de EEF e Holter quando necessários. Resultados - A estimulação atrial programada realizada em 18 pacientes não reproduziu a TRN, mesmo após administração de atropina IV. A média do intervalo PR variou de 153 ± 50,36 ms no pré, para 152 ± 38 ms no pós-operatório (p>0,05). Nenhum paciente apresentou recorrência da TRN no seguimento de 26,3 ± 10 m. Dois pacientes evoluíram para FA crônica após 24 meses da cirurgia. Conclusão - A técnica de dissecção perinodal empregada foi eficaz e segura a longo prazo, preservando a condução AV

Purpose - To analyze the long term results of surgical treatment of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNT). Methods - From March 1987 to March 1990, 20 patients with AVNT were submitted to surgical therapy, 14 female, aged 12 to 70 (42.8 ± 17) years. All presented crisis of AVNT from 6 months to 60 (18.4 ± 15.9) years. Ten of them had syncope or near syncope and two with cardiac arrest during reversion of AVNT with antiarrythmic drugs. They used 1 to 6 (3.75 ± 1.45) antiarrythmic drays before surgery. The electrophysiologic study (EPS) showed the commom form of AVNT in all cases. The surgical procedure was anatomically directed to the posterior area of the AV node. Programmed atrial stimulation (PAS) were applied on 18 patients after surgery. The longterm results were analysed by clinical evaluation, EPS andHolter when they were necessary. Results - The pos-operative PAS was done in 18 patients and did not induce any AVNT, even after atropine IV. The PR interval was 153 ± 50 ms before and 152 ± 38 ms after surgery (p > 0.05). During follow up (26 ± 10 m) there were not AVNT reccurence. Two patients developed chronic atrial fibrillation after 24 months of surgery. Conclusion - The perinodal dissection technique used was safe and successful to treat AVNT, preserving AV nodal conduction