Electrophysiological study in supraventricular tachycardia

Abstract

Supraventricular tachycardia is a common clinical problem. Although its primary mortality is usually low, it often causes significant life long symptoms. It can be life threatening when associated with rapidly conducting accessory atrioventricular connections or nodo-ventricular fibres. Electrophysiological study is now the "gold standard" investigation for diagnosis of this problem. It is also an essential tool for choosing therapeutic options. It is safe and cost effective and should be available in all major hospitals. Since surgical cure is currently feasible for almost all forms of supraventricular tachycardia with a high success rate and a low mortality, electrophysiological study and arrhythmia surgery should be offered to symptomatic patients early in the course of disease. Catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia is presently investigational but may in the future become the standard treatment for some forms of supraventricular tachycardia if the cure rate and risk of the procedure can be improved so that they are superior to surgery.