RADIOFREQUENCY CATHETER ABLATION OF LEFT-SIDED ACCESSORY PATHWAYS USING A TRANSEPTAL TECHNIQUE AND SPECIALIZED LONG INTRAVASCULAR SHEATHS -EFFICACY, RECURRENCE RATE AND COMPLICATIONS

49 patients with 51 left-sided accessory pathways underwent radiofrequ ency catheter ablation for symptomatic supraventricular tachycardia vi a the transeptal route using specialised long vascular sheaths with co mpound curves. The procedure was successful in 45 patients (92%). The mean fluroscopic time was 22.5 +/- 15.2 mins and the mean procedure ti me was 1.7 +/- 0.5 hours. Pericardial tamponade occurred in 2 patients (4%) and 2 patients (4%) required switching to the retrograde transao rtic route for successful ablation of the pathways. During the period of follow-up of 16.8 +/- 6.9 months, clinical recurrence occurred in 2 patients (4%). In conclusion, the transeptal route of radiofrequency catheter ablation is a useful alternative strategy to the transaortic approach with good long term results. The use of specialised sheaths m ay help in stabilisation of the catheter during the procedure which ca n generate more adequate lesions and consequently a lower recurrence r ate.