Abstract

KUZMICIC C, Boris; CASTRO G, Guillermo; GOMEZ N, Felipe  and  ESPINOZA P, Carolina. Results and complications of electrophysiologic studies and arrhythmia ablation in Antofagasta, Chile. Rev Chil Cardiol [online]. 2009, vol.28, n.2, pp. 185-192. ISSN 0718-8560.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-85602009000200006.

Background: electrophysiologic studies and ablation therapy is becoming more frequent in Chile. Aim: to describe the distribution of arrhythmias referred to a private electrophysiology center in Antofagasta, to assess immediate efficacy of ablation therapy and incidence of complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the electrophysiology studies performed in Antofagasta between 1996 and 2007, including 616 patients, 321 men and 295 women, with age range between 11 and 91 years old, (average 49). In every patient, the indication for electrophysiological study, whether or not ablation was performed, and the results were recorded. Results: Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia was the indication for 45%> of electrophysiological studies. 14.3%> were cases of Atria I Flutter, 14.3%> of Syncope and/or Conduction disorders, 11.5%> of Ventricular Tachycardia, 2.9 %> of Sinus Node Disease, 1.8%> of Brugada's Syndrome and 10.2%> corresponded to other indications. Of 616 patients, 408 were submitted to radiofrequency ablation therapy. This was effective in 88.9%>, partially effective in 4.2%> and failed in 6.9%>. The effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation according to etiology was 96.5%> for Antegrade Slow Pathway cases, 93.3%> in Isthmus-dependent Flutter, 93.2%> for Accessory Pathway ablation and 80.7%> in other etiologies. The 6.9%> failed cases corresponded to Flutter (2.6%>), Left Lateral Accessory Pathway (0,99%>), Auricular Tachycardia (0.74%>), Ventricular Tachycardia (0.74%>), and miscellaneous (1.73%>). The complications were perforation of right cavities (0,3%>) and inguinal adenitis (0,15%>). There was no mortality or atrioventricular block. Conclusion: The main indication for radiofrequency ablation in Antofagasta was Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia. The procedure turned out to be highly effective, especially in Antegrade Slow Pathway ablation. The less effective procedures included Atrial Flutter. Complication rate was very low.

Keywords : electrophysiology center; ablation therapy .