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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Radiofrequency catheter ablation
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation
by Sue__0__0, Dec 27, 1997 12:00AM
Posted By CCF Cardio MD SK on December 29, 1997 at 13:29:31:
In Reply to: Radiofrequency catheter ablation posted by Sue on December 27, 1997 at 10:57:43:
: I have a history of PSVT, and the episodes are more frequent lately in spite of the medication. Also, I am being treated for hypertension. I have just consulted with a cardiologist who recommended radiofrequency catheter ablation. I am inclined to have the ablation done, but I'm concerned about the need for a permanent pacemaker as a result. What are the chances that a pacemaker will be needed and what is the overall success rate of this procedure? Thank you.
In Reply to: Radiofrequency catheter ablation posted by Sue on December 27, 1997 at 10:57:43:
: I have a history of PSVT, and the episodes are more frequent lately in spite of the medication. Also, I am being treated for hypertension. I have just consulted with a cardiologist who recommended radiofrequency catheter ablation. I am inclined to have the ablation done, but I'm concerned about the need for a permanent pacemaker as a result. What are the chances that a pacemaker will be needed and what is the overall success rate of this procedure? Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD SK, Dec 27, 1997 12:00AM
_
Dear Sue,
There can be various mechanisms for the generation of PSVT. Reentry, where there is a short-circuit responsible for the tachycardia or increased excitability of the tissue are the major mechanisms for PSVT. The reentrant circuit may involve only the AV node, which is the conduction tissue that normally conducts an impulse from the upper chamber (atrium) to the lower chamber (ventricle) of the heart. PSVT can be from other mechanisms like hyper-excitable focus in the atrium or an accessory (additional) pathway. When radio-frequency ablation is used for reentrant circuit involving only the AV node, there is 0.5 to 3% chance of requiring a permanent pacemaker. For other mechanisms, this risk is negligible.
Thus it would be important for you find out the mechanism responsible your PSVT from your doctor. However, the exact mechanism may not be clear until after an electro-physiology study where internal tracings are recorded with special catheters.
If you are seeking a second opinion or further evaluation, an appointment with one of our cardiologists specializing in electrophysiology can be arranged by calling the Cleveland Clinic at (216) 444-6697.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your family physician(s).
