Feasibility, Efficacy, and Safety of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Cardiac Arrhythmias: A Twelve-Year Experience in Thailand
Sirin Apiyasawat MD*, Narawudt Prasertwitayakij MD*, Tachapong Ngarmukos MD*, Pakorn Chandanamattha MD*, Khanchit Likittanasombat MD*
Affiliation : * Electrophysiology Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is widely accepted as a curative treatment for many
types of cardiac arrhythmias.
Material and Method: The authors retrospectively reviewed 1,193 cases (mean age 45, 41% male) performed
in the electrophysiology laboratory at Ramathibodi Hospital from 1996 to 2007. Success rate, recurrence rate
and complications were analyzed.
Results : Ablations of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT, 428 cases, 35.9%) and
atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT, 346 cases, 29%) were the most common procedures. The
overall success rate and recurrence rate of RFCA were 88.8% and 6.1% respectively. Complications occurred
in 50 patients (4.2%) with 1 death (0.08%). RFCA of AVNRT or AVRT rather than other arrhythmias (Odd ratio
11.46, 95% confidence interval 8.14-16.15, p < 0.001) and adult rather than pediatric patients (Odd ratio for
age 1.007, 95% confidence interval 1.003-1.011, p < 0.001) were independent predictors for successful RFCA.
Conclusion : RFCA of cardiac arrhythmia in our institution is safe and effective.
Keywords : Arrhythmias, Cardiac, Catheter ablation, Tachycardia
