Atrial tachycardia as a proarrhythmic effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2011 Apr;34(4):e33-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2010.02749.x.

Abstract

Radiofrequency catheter ablation is now the first line treatment for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. The success rate is high with a low incidence of complications. However, a possible proarrhythmic effect of radiofrequency energy has been rarely reported and no study has demonstrated a direct correlation between the anatomic site of the radiofrequency application and the origin of a new post-ablation arrhythmia. We present a case of a focal atrial tachycardia that occurred after slow pathway radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial nodal reentrant tachycardia and originating close to the previous ablation site. This tachycardia was successfully treated with a second ablation session.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Catheter Ablation / adverse effects*
  • Electrocardiography / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / complications*
  • Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / surgery*
  • Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial / diagnosis*
  • Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial / etiology*