Review of Initial Outcome of Radiofrequency Cardiac Catheter Ablations of Accessory Pathways Carried Out at Madras Medical Mission, India

Context: Accessory pathways (APs) are one of the common supraventricular arrhythmias encountered regularly at the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory of Madras Medical Mission, India. Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the initial outcome following radiofrequency catheter ablations of accessory pathways. Settings and Design: This retrospective study was carried out in the Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Madras Medical Mission, India. Methods and Materials: Records of consecutive cases of accessory pathways following cardiac electrophysiologic studies and radiofrequency ablation carried out between January 2013 and March 2014 were reviewed. Seventy-seven cases were chosen for analysis. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 15. Results: The 77 patients comprised 49 males and 28 females There was a very high success rate (96.1%). Early complications were observed in only 2 (2.6%) patients, comprising cardiac tamponade, and pericardial effusion without tamponade. There was no mortality from the procedure. 10.4% were cares of recurrence following previous RFA. Conclusions: RFA of APs was associated with a high success rate and very low incidence of complication.