Effect on coronary artery anatomy of radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial insertion sites of accessory pathways

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-1993

Journal

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Volume

21

Issue

6

DOI

10.1016/0735-1097(93)90321-Q

Abstract

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation of the atrial insertion site of accessory pathways on the angiographie appearance of coronary arteries. Background. Radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways requires the application of energy to the endocardial surface of the atrioventricular groove adjacent to the major epicardial coronary arteries. A systematic analysis of the effect of radiofrequency ablation on coronary arteries has not previously been demonstrated. Methods. Seventy consecutive patients with 76 accessory pathways (7 right free wall, 44 left free wall, 12 posteroseptal, 8 anteroseptal and 5 midseptal) were studied. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed before, immediately after and a mean of 69 ± 42 days after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Results. Coronary artery diameter adjacent to the ablating electrode was 2.6 ± 0.9 mm before ablation, 2.7 ± 0.9 mm immediately after ablation and 2.7 ±1.0 mm at the time of follow-up study. Angiographie findings were unchanged from baseline in 69 of 70 patients immediately after ablation and in all 70 patients at the time of follow-up Study. Conclusions. Radiofrequency catheter ablation of the atrial insertion site of accessory pathways does not result in short-term angiographie changes in coronary artery anatomy. © 1993.

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