SAFETY OF RADIOFREQUENCY CATHETER ABLATION OF ACCESSORY ATRIOVENTRICULAR PATHWAYS

The acute anatomic and valvular consequences of radiofrequency cathete r ablation of accessory pathways were evaluated in 62 patients by mean s of serial echocardiographic examinations. Semiquantitative assessmen t of valvular incompetence and classification into one of four grades according to the width and the extension of the jet from the valvular orifice were carried out. Segmental wall motion abnormalities were eva luated semiquantitatively with four grades of severity (normal, hypoki nesia, akinesia, or dyskinesia). New echocardiographic abnormalities w ere observed in five patients. One thrombus on the ventricular aspect of the mitral valve, three hemodynamically insignificant pericardial e ffusions, and one increase in severity of tricuspid incompetence were found 1 day after radiofrequency catheter ablation. We conclude that e chocardiographic changes after radiofrequency ablation of accessory pa thways are rare and of minor significance. These findings confirm the safety of the procedure.