Conventional fluoroscopy-guided vs zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation of
supraventricular tachycardias
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and
efficacy of zero-fluoroscopy (ZF) catheter ablation (CA) for
supraventricular tachycardias (SVT). Methods: 584 consecutive patients
referred to our institution for CA of SVT were analysed. Patients were
categorised into two groups; zero-fluoroscopy (ZF) group and
conventional fluoroscopy (CF) group. The ZF group was further divided
into two subgroups (adults and paediatric). Patient characteristics,
procedural information, and follow-up data were compared. Results: The
ZF group had a higher proportion of paediatric patients (42.2% vs 0.0
%; p < 0.001), resulting in a younger age (30.9 ± 20.3 years
vs 52.7 ± 16.5 years; p < 0.001) and lower BMI (22.8 ± 5.7
kg/m2 vs 27.0 ± 5.4 kg/m2; p < 0.001). Procedure time was
shorter in the ZF group (94.2 ± 50.4 min vs 104.0 ± 54.0 min; p =
0.002). There were no major complications and the rate of minor
complications did not differ between groups (0.0% vs 0.4%; p = 0.304).
Acute procedural success as well as the long-term success rate when only
the index procedure was considered did not differ between groups (92.5%
vs 95.4 %; p = 0.155; 87.1% vs 89.2%; p = 0.422). When repeated
procedures were included, the long-term success rate was higher in the
ZF group (98.3% vs 93.5%; p < 0.004). The difference can be
partially explained by the operators’ preferences. Conclusion: The
safety and efficacy of ZF procedures in adult and paediatric populations
are comparable to that of CF procedures.