Successful transcatheter cryoablation in infants with drug-resistant supraventricular tachycardia: a case series

Abstract

In our series, transcatheter cryoablation was an effective treatment for drug-resistant SVT in infants. We encountered some early nonsustained post-procedure SVT; however, such episodes did not predict procedural failure.

Outcomes of interventional electrophysiology in children under 2 years of age

“…There are few reports of transcatheter cryoablation in infants 23 , 24 . In our case, although there was transient atrioventricular block during the procedure, this resolved within minutes.…”

“…Cryoablation catheters are currently designed for adults, and when used in infants can be susceptible to technical problems that can be overcome to deliver effective therapy. 23 Cyroablation, however, offers significant benefits over radiofrequency ablation. In an animal study, it has been shown that cryotherapy lesions do not injure the coronary arteries of growing myocardium as is sometimes the case with radiofrequency ablation.…”

“…On the basis of experience with differences in catheter stiffness, this would increase the risk of cardiac perforation in smaller hearts. Cryoablation catheters are currently designed for adults, and when used in infants can be susceptible to technical problems that can be overcome to deliver effective therapy 23 . Cyroablation, however, offers significant benefits over radiofrequency ablation.…”

Catheter ablation of drug resistant supraventricular tachycardia in neonates and infants

“…TCA has been shown to be effective and reliable in pediatric patients with AV nodal reentrant tachycardia or SVT with accessory pathways [15,16]. However, until 2011, studies of TCA use in neonates and infants remained very limited [17,18]. The only publication on this topic is an international multicenter retrospective [12].…”