Open AccessCatheter ablation using radiofrequency energy
Author(s) -
Borggrefe M.,
Hindricks G.,
Haverkamp W.,
Breithardt G.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960130212
Subject(s) - medicine , catheter ablation , ablation , radiofrequency ablation , ventricular tachycardia , catheter , refractory (planetary science) , cardiology , tachycardia , radiology , physics , astrobiology
Recently, transvenous catheter ablation using radiofrequency impulses has been applied in experimental animals as well as in humans. This review describes the biophysics, mechanisms, and tissue effects of radio‐frequency alternating current. Ablation of the AV‐junction has been performed in experimental studies as well as in a growing number of patients. Complete AV‐block or modification of the AV conduction by RF‐current application can be achieved in about 45‐65% of patients. Presently about 50% of patients with rightsided accessory pathways can be successfully managed using radiofrequency impulses. Certain limitations exist using a biopolar “epi‐endocardial” electrode configuration forleftsided accessory pathways. Only few studies are available concerning the use of RF ablation of ventricular tachycardia foci. As most experimental investigations were carried out in structurally nondiseased myocardium, the use of this new technique in fibrotic or scarred tissue warrants further studies. Radiofrequency catheter ablation seems to be feasible and relatively safe for the treatment of otherwise drug‐refractory supraventricular arrhythmias; further studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy in patients with drug‐refractory ventricular tachyarrhythmias.