Long-Term Outcomes for Cryoablation of Pediatric Patients With Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia

The long-term efficacy and complications of cryoablation for pediatric atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) have not been completely defined. We performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients diagnosed with AVNRT and treated with cryoablation therapy. A total of 73 patients underwent cryoablation for AVNRT from 2003 to 2008. Of the 73 patients, 61 were included in the present study. The mean interval from initial successful ablation was 3 ± 1 years. Of the 61 patients, 4 had documented recurrence of AVNRT after the initially successful ablation, 3 with late recurrence 1 to 2 years after ablation. Procedural complications consisting of transient atrioventricular block developed in 10 patients, and 2 patients were diagnosed with new arrhythmias after AVNRT ablation (1 with junctional ectopic tachycardia and 1 with left ventricular outflow tract tachycardia originating near the region of the atrioventricular node 3 months after ablation). In conclusion, cryoablation is a safe and effective therapy for AVNRT. Recurrences can develop late, up to 2 years after initially successful ablation.