Cardiac Malformations in Siamese Twins

The linear radiofrequency catheter ablation between tricuspid annulus and vena cava inferior is an effective and safe method for the treatment of typical atrial flutter. The present study was planned to assess whether the Iong-tip e lectrode ablation catheter, which can allow the creation of larger and deeper ablation lesions the than standard catheter (4- mm tip electrode), is more effective for linear ablation of typical atriaJ flutter. A total of 24 ablation procedures (4-mm tip in l l patients, 8-mm tip in 13 patientS')' were performed to 21 consecutive patients. The mean procedure- (78 ± 40 1 41 ± 40 min, p=0.002) and fluoroscopy-durations (47 ± 27 1 18 ± 5 min, p=0.0006) were shorter; the mean numbers of energy applications (9 ± 4.1 1 5.7 ± 4.1, p=0.0003) were lower; acute success rate (73% 1 92%, p=0.05) was higher with long tip e1ectrod.e catheters as compared with the standard catheter. The recurrence rate was 25% with 4-mm tip electrode catheter while it was 8% with 8-mm-tip electrode catheter during the mean follow-up period (12 ± 6 months). Furthermore, chronic success rate was higher with long tip electrode catheter (54% 1 84%, p=0.03). These findings demonstrate that long tip electrode catheter (8-mm) is more effective than the standard catheter ( 4-mm), and it reduces the procedureduration and exposure to radiation for linear catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter. Key words: