Neonatal radiofrequency catheter ablation of junctional tachycardias

J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 1998 Mar;2(1):91-100. doi: 10.1023/a:1009777126508.

Abstract

Junctional tachycardias comprise several arrhythmia types with differing mechanisms, principally involving the region of the atrioventricular (A-V) junction. Neonatal radiofrequency catheter ablation has typically been reserved for life-threatening, drug-refractory cases due to the unique concerns regarding patient size and development. We performed radiofrequency catheter ablation on two neonates with incessant, rapid junctional tachycardias and hemodynamic compromise after failing conventional medical therapy. This report describes 2 neonates who underwent emergent radiofrequency catheter ablation, and compares these two patients to a larger pediatric catheter ablation patient cohort. Both neonates had an acutely successful outcome and were able to be discharged within a week of the ablation procedure. Fluoroscopy time and total procedure time were shorter in these two patients than in the course of the average pediatric catheter ablation. Though long-term developmental consequences of neonatal catheter ablation are yet unknown, in unique extreme situations, radiofrequency catheter ablation can be performed in neonates, as in older children and adults, without excessive acute morbidity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Atrioventricular Node / physiopathology
  • Atrioventricular Node / surgery
  • Catheter Ablation* / methods
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Drug Resistance
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemodynamics / physiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Tachycardia, Ectopic Junctional / physiopathology
  • Tachycardia, Ectopic Junctional / surgery*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents