Radio frequency (RF) catheter ablation of accessory pathways represents an interventional
method in modern cardiology that has become the first-line treatment for patients
with symptomatic WPW-syndrome. The aim of this study was to analyze: (1) the
learning curve for the ablation procedure; (2) procedural parameters and success; and
(3) personal assessment of the treatment by the patients. Learning curve analysis included
195 consecutive patients, who underwent ablation between 1991 and 1996. The
follow-up survey included 65 consecutive patients. The analysis of the procedural parameters
showed significant improvement after 100 cases, implying a completion of the
learning curve at this point. Long-term follow-up showed a high success rate for all
pathways (95.4%). All procedure parameters indicated significantly higher degree of
difficulty for right free-wall and septal pathways, with lowest long-term success rate for
right-sided pathways (78.6%). Personal assessment survey showed high acceptance of
the treatment; the procedure was described as a significant improvement of overall quality-
of-life by 92.3% of patients. The results of this study confirm the catheter ablation of
accessory pathways – in particular after completion of the learning curve – as a low-risk
and highly efficient treatment for symptomatic WPW-syndrome, with a high degree of
patient-related acceptance
