Effectiveness of radiofrequency catheter ablation of right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia using the CARTO system

Abstract

Background: Ventricular ectopy or ventricular tachycardia (VT) originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) are the most common forms of arrhythmias in patients with structurally normal heart. Pharmacological treatment is effective in no more than 50% of patients, whereas radio-frequency catheter ablation (RFCA) offers a much higher success rate.Aim: To assess early and late outcome in patients with RVOT arrhythmias treated with RFCA combined with electro-anatomical mapping system (CARTO).Methods: The study group consisted of 34 consecutive patients (mean age 38.8±12.0 years, range 21-52 years, 11 males, 23 females) with symptomatic arrhythmias originating from RVOT, who underwent RFCA in our department between December 2001 to July 2003. RFCA was performed with the use of the CARTO system. The power of RF current was set at 40 Watts, duration - 90 seconds, and maximal temperature - 55o C. In order to assess short- and long-term RFCA efficacy, a 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring was performed before RFCA and shortly after the procedure as well as one and three months afterwards. Effective RFCA was defined as the reduction of ventricular ectop