Arrhythmia in Children and Adolescents and Outcome of Radiofrequency Ablation for Tachyarrhythmias - A Single Center Experience Over 16 Years.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation for tachycardia in children poses challenges in view of slender veins and delicate cardiac structures in close proximity. METHODS: We reviewed hospital records for patients below 18 years,who underwent RF ablation from August, 2001 to February, 2017 at a single hospital. RESULTS: Among 214 patients (134 males, age12.5 (4.6) years), there were 221 tachycardia substrates accessory pathways in 85 patients (39%), AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia in 79 patients (36%), ventricular tachycardia in 28 patients (13%) and atrial tachycardia in 21 patients (9.6%).The overall success rate of RF ablation was 95% (204/214). Success rate in those younger than 6 years was similar to those in older age groups. There were no major complication. CONCLUSIONS: RF ablation below 18 years of age has a high success rates and low complications.