Objective: The aim of this study was shown clinical characteristics and follow-up of patients with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA) therapy.
Material and methods: From April 1992 to December 1995, 413 patients with AVRT underwent RCA therapy.
Results: Two hundred thirty four men (57%) and one hundred seventy nine women (43%) aged 31.3 +/- 16.3 years were studied. 437 single accessory pathways were found; 24 had multiple accessory pathways. Ablation therapy was successful in 381 accessory pathways. During follow-up of 7 years, AVRT recurred in 51 patients (13%) and in 80% this occurred within the first 3 months after the procedure. 56 patients underwent a second RCA therapy with success in 35 patients (83.5); two reoccurred (5.7%); 365 accessory pathways (83.5) remained without evidence of preexcitation AVRT.
Conclusions: During follow-up, these patients with successful ablation therapy remained without symptoms. In patients who underwent a second RCA therapy, atrioventricular reentrant mechanism was always present.