Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Patients with Supraventricular Tachycardia: A Cohort Study on Efficacy, Safety, Anxiety, and Quality of Life Outcomes

TL;DR

This study shows that radiofrequency catheter ablation is effective for treating supraventricular tachycardia, with high success rates and improved quality of life and reduced anxiety in patients.

Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the efficacy, safety, and psychological benefits of RFCA in a specific patient cohort.

Findings

Immediate procedural success was achieved in 98% of cases.

Anxiety levels decreased significantly after the procedure.

Quality of life improved substantially across all dimensions post-ablation.

Abstract

Over the past two decades, radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has emerged as a leading treatment for cardiac arrhythmias due to its high efficacy, despite potential complications. This study evaluated success rates, complications, and the procedure’s impact on quality of life (QoL) and anxiety in patients with supraventricular arrhythmia (SVT).

This prospective cohort study involved patients diagnosed with SVT who were treated in Babol, Iran, between 2018 to 2019. The primary outcomes that were assessed included the immediate procedural success rate, success at 3 months post-ablation, associated complications, and their relationship with demographic and clinical factors. Additionally, changes in patients’ QoL and anxiety levels before and after the procedure were analyzed. Procedures included recording His bundle electrograms using quadripolar catheters, performing programmed stimulations, autonomic blockade with atropine and propranolol, and delivering radiofrequency energy at target sites for at least 10 min. Complications and recurrence rates were monitored over a follow-up period of 3 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 23).

Immediate success was achieved in 98% of cases, with two failures due to complications. Recurrence occurred in 13% of patients within 3 months, significantly associated with higher BMI and diabetes (P=0.024; P=0.026), respectively. Post-procedure, anxiety levels decreased significantly (P<0.001), and all QoL dimensions improved substantially (P<0.001), highlighting the holistic benefits of the procedure.

Overall, RFCA is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for SVT, demonstrating high success rates and significant improvements in patient outcomes, including reduced anxiety and enhanced QoL.