Catheter Ablation for SVT?

My wife is scheduled for EP study and catheter ablation on November 22. She had her first incident with SVT about 8 years
ago. Her cardiologist told her not to worry about it until they
occured more frequently or of a longer duration. She has had minor attacks in the past 8 years,( 30 sec to 5 minutes) but was able to convert
using various techniques. However in June 1999 she had a 2 hour incident that put her into the emergency room and in
July a 45 minute attack. She has been on lanoxin since August
and has 3 minor incidents that converted within 30 seconds.
None of the incidents have ever been documented by an EKG, so
her cardiologist wants her to have an EP study to confirm
his diagnosis of SVT and catheter ablation to cure the SVT.
Is the EP study the normal way to confirm undocumented SVT,
could you also use an event monitor? I have read that RFA is
know the reccomended procedure. How safe is RFA? How safe is
RFA vs the side effects of medicine for SVT.
Thank you for your time, you provide an invaluable service.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Wayne,

RFA in experienced hands is a very safe prcedure and is successful nearly 95% of the time depending on the type aof arrhythmia that one has.

Typically an EP study is done at the same time as the ablation to map and ablte the irritable focus or extra pathway in the heart.

You should discuss the exact risks and benefits with your own cardiologist or the electrophysiologist doing the procedure.

[Wayne Cooper]

Even though RFA is cosidered a safe procedure, there is a slight
chance for complications. Is the complication rate dependent on
the experience of the doctor or upon the health of the patient.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Wayne,

It is a function of both.

[BB666]

A related discussion, Cogenital or environmental?? was started.