What is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablation?

From the Guidelines

SVT ablation is a highly effective treatment for supraventricular tachycardia, offering a potential cure with success rates ranging from 90-98% and complication rates less than 3%. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting thin catheters through blood vessels to map the heart's electrical activity, identify the problematic tissue, and destroy it using radiofrequency energy or cryoablation 1. The procedure typically takes 2-4 hours under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, with patients usually discharged within 24 hours.

Key Points About SVT Ablation

• SVT ablation is considered when medications fail to control symptoms or when patients prefer not to take long-term medications, offering a potential cure rather than just symptom management 1.
• The procedure is highly effective, with success rates depending on the specific type of SVT, and complications are rare, occurring in less than 3% of cases 1.
• Recovery is relatively quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for about a week.
• According to the 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline, EP study with the option of ablation is useful as first-line therapy for treatment of symptomatic SVT, as it provides the potential for definitive cure without the need for chronic pharmacological therapy 1.

Indications and Considerations

• SVT ablation is appropriate for patients with symptomatic SVT who do not have ventricular pre-excitation during sinus rhythm, and for those who prefer not to undergo ablation or do not have access to a cardiac electrophysiologist, pharmacological therapy with AV nodal blockers is an option 1.
• Flecainide or propafenone may be considered for ongoing management in patients without structural heart disease or ischemic heart disease who have symptomatic SVT and are not candidates for, or prefer not to undergo, catheter ablation 1.
• Patients with SVT should be educated on how to perform vagal maneuvers for ongoing management of SVT, as these can help terminate SVT and reduce the need for medical attention 1.

From the Research

What is SVT Ablation

• SVT ablation, or supraventricular tachycardia ablation, is a medical procedure used to treat supraventricular tachycardia, a common cardiac rhythm disturbance characterized by recurrent episodes of tachycardia 2.
• The procedure involves the use of catheter ablation to destroy the abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause the arrhythmia.

How SVT Ablation Works

• During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through a vein in the leg and guided to the heart, where it uses radiofrequency energy to destroy the abnormal electrical pathways 3.
• The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and sedation, and can take several hours to complete.
• SVT ablation is a low-risk procedure with a high success rate, and is often considered the first line of treatment for patients with frequent or severe episodes of supraventricular tachycardia 2.

Benefits and Risks of SVT Ablation

• The benefits of SVT ablation include a significant reduction in symptoms and an improvement in quality of life 3.
• The procedure can also reduce the risk of complications associated with supraventricular tachycardia, such as heart failure and stroke.
• However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with SVT ablation, including bleeding, infection, and damage to the heart or surrounding tissues 4.
• The risk of complications is generally low, but can be higher in certain patients, such as the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions.

Long-Term Outcomes of SVT Ablation

• Studies have shown that SVT ablation can be an effective and long-lasting treatment for supraventricular tachycardia, with many patients experiencing a significant reduction in symptoms and an improvement in quality of life 5, 6.
• However, some patients may experience a recurrence of symptoms over time, and may require additional treatment.
• Overall, SVT ablation is a safe and effective procedure that can provide significant benefits for patients with supraventricular tachycardia.