Objective: To explore the feasibility and safety of three dimensional (3D) electro-anatomical mapping system (Carto3) in treating the patients with paroxysmal supra-ventricular tachycardia (PSVT) by radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCFA).
Methods: A total of 180 PSVT patients were divided into 2 groups, n=90 in each group. 3-D group, the patients received RCFA with 3-D reconstructed valve ring model under Carto3 guidance. 2-D group, the patients received RCFA under conventional X-ray guidance. The procedural and X-ray exposure times, rates of success and complications, tachycardia recurrence at 6 months after procedure and the cost were observed and compared between 2 group.
Results: The procedural time was similar between 2 groups, P=0.1403. The patients in 3-D group had the lower X-ray exposure time (2.1 ± 0.7 vs 7.8 ± 3.6) min, particularly in those with right-sided accessory pathway (3.4 ± 0.7 vs 20.2 ± 7.1) min, and dual atrio-ventricular (A-V) nodal pathways (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 5.5 ±1.7) min, all P<0.0001. There was 1 patient in 3-D group without RCFA and all the others were successes. 2-D group had 3 patients with failed RFCA including 2 of right-sided accessory pathway, 1 of dual A-V nodal pathways and received 2nd RCFA under Carto3 guidance. 3-D group had no complication, no recurrence. In 2-D group, 1 patient suffered from complete A-V block (AVB) during ablation and 1-year later, the Holter showed II° to III° AVB;2 patients with recurrence including 1 of dual A-V nodal pathways and had successful 2nd ablation. The cost was higher in 3-D treatment.
Conclusion: RFCA was feasible for treating PSVT patients under Carto3 guidance, which had the higher success rate with lower X-ray exposure and complication.