Radiofrequency catheter ablation can be performed with high success rates and very low complication rates in children and adolescents

Abstract

Radiofrequency catheter ablation can be performed with high success and very low complication rates in children. Recurrence rates are substantially lower than those reported for cryoablation in the literature.

Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Tachyarrhythmia in Children Weighing Less Than 10 kg

“…Although this study included more patients weighing less than 10 kg than previous reports [ 4 – 6 ], the rates of recurrence, transient complications, and permanent complications in the less than 10 kg group (group A) were not significantly different from those in the over 10 kg group (group B), and these results were comparable to those in previous reports [ 11 – 15 ]. The mean fluoroscopic time was less than that in previous reports [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…The overall complication rate in the groups weighing less than 10 kg (including transient complications per sessions) was 3/26 (11.5%), and only one permanent complication occurred (3.8%); and these rates are comparable to those reported in earlier studies on RFCA in children [ 1 , 2 , 6 , 16 – 18 ]. In addition, the incidence of permanent complications did not significantly differ between groups A and B.…”

Irrigated‐tip catheters for radiofrequency ablation of right‐sided accessory pathways in adolescents

“…Complications were rare and mostly minor. Earlier studies had reported a considerable risk of atrio‐ventricular (AV) block in septal APs, whereas more recent reports demonstrate that RFA can be performed safely with a low risk of even only transient AV block . We had only five patients with lower midseptum pathways which we found safe enough for our approach.…”

“…Long‐term recurrence still presents a major problem of right‐sided AP ablation. Previous studies have reported recurrence rates for right‐sided APs in the range of 6–12% . Chen et al.…”

PACES/HRS expert consensus statement on the use of catheter ablation in children and patients with congenital heart disease

“…12 No deaths were recorded during the PAPCA registry years or from the recent Czech multicenter retrospective study. 11 Minor complications such as pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistula, and minor bleeding are typically not reported in randomized or prospective studies; however, some reports on the pediatric population mention a 1%-3% incidence of minor vascular complications, 11,13,14 and studies on adult patients note minor vascular complications of up to 5%. 15 Although there are some data that congenital heart disease might increase the risk of a vascular complication, 16 there are no controlled studies directly supporting this observation.…”