Radiofrequency catheter ablation therapy in the young: current status.

Since 1989, when radiofrequency ablation was introduced into clinical practice for pediatric patients with supraventricular tachycardias, radiofrequency catheter ablation techniques have evolved as the treatment of choice for many forms of tachycardia in young patients. This review discusses the current status of ablation therapy for the four most common forms of supraventricular tachycardias in children, including tachycardias based on accessory atrioventricular pathways, atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, atrial ectopic tachycardia and the permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia. In addition, the report will focus on the current status and limitations of ablation therapy of ventricular tachycardias and atrial reentry tachycardias in patients after surgical correction of congenital heart defects.