Pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation in adults with congenital heart disease

Tachyarrhythmias and catheter ablation in adult congenital heart disease

Advances in surgical technique have had an immense impact on longevity and quality of life in patients with congenital heart disease. However, an inevitable consequence of these surgical successes is the creation of a unique patient population whose anatomy, surgical history and haemodynamics result in the development of a challenging and complex arrhythmia substrate. Furthermore, this patient group remains susceptible to the arrhythmias seen in the general adult population. It is through a thorough appreciation of the cardiac structural defect, the surgical corrective approach, and haemodynamic impact that the most effective arrhythmia care can be delivered. Catheter ablation techniques offer a highly effective management option but require a meticulous attention to the real-time integration of anatomical and electrophysiological information to identify and eliminate the culprit arrhythmia substrate. This review describes the current approach to the interventional management of patients with tachyarrhythmias in the context of congenital heart disease.

Arrhythmias in adult congenital heart disease: the year in review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of arrhythmias is an integral component of care for adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Our objective was to highlight the important advances from the year 2012 regarding arrhythmias in adult CHD, with a focus on diagnostic considerations, acute management, catheter ablation, and device therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

During the course of 2012, Holter studies suggested that routine screening was helpful in guiding the clinical decisions for certain patient subgroups, such as adults with tetralogy of Fallot. Supportive evidence was provided for the common practice of anticoagulation and/or screening for intracardiac thrombosis by transesophageal echocardiography prior to electrically cardioverting atrial tachyarrhythmias. Advances in catheter ablation, particularly robotic magnetic navigation, offer new hope for patients in whom access to arrhythmia substrates is not feasible by standard means. The subcutaneous defibrillator emerged as an innovative solution of great interest to the patients at risk of sudden death in whom transvenous lead implantation is unachievable or contraindicated. Finally, 2012 ended with a major milestone: the establishment of physician certification in adult CHD by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

SUMMARY

The year 2012 witnessed important advances in the diagnosis and management of arrhythmias in adults with CHD.