The present role of radiofrequency catheter ablation in the management of cardiac arrhythmias

Radiofrequency catheter ablation can be used to treat a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. Yet while the spectrum of arrhythmias amenable to catheter ablation continues to expand, the protocol for whether or not catheter ablation should be recommended for the management of an individual patient has not been firmly established. This article summarizes the experience of one medical center with radiofrequency catheter ablation. The varieties of arrhythmias that may be effectively treated with catheter ablation, the probability of success, and the attendant risks of these procedures in this series are presented. In addition, the future applications of catheter ablation to cardiac arrhythmias are discussed.