Outcome of intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia catheter ablation in adults with congenital heart disease: negative impact of age and complex atrial surgery

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the acute and long-term outcome of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia (IART) in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD), and predictors of these outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Atrial myopathy can be progressive in CHD and contributes to the substrate for IART. Although the outcome of RFCA for IART has been well described in children and adolescents with CHD, it is unclear whether these results are similar in the adult population.

METHODS

Clinical records of adults with CHD undergoing attempted RFCA of IART were analyzed retrospectively. Multivariate analyses identified clinical and procedural factors that predicted acute and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 193 procedures was performed in 130 patients (mean age 40 ± 13 years); 82 of 118 (69%) initially attempted RFCA were successful, defined as termination of all IART circuits. The use of electroanatomic mapping was associated with a successful RFCA, whereas Fontan palliation and Mustard repair were associated with an unsuccessful RFCA. Median clinical follow-up of 77 patients (≥2 months of follow-up) after a successful RFCA was 3.7 years (range 0.2 to 10.2 years). IART recurrence was noted in 48%, cardioversion/reablation in 42%, and death in 4%. Older age and Fontan palliation were independent predictors of IART recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In adults with CHD, acute and long-term outcomes of RFCA for IART are similar to those reported for younger cohorts. Complex atrial surgery limits the success of RFCA, and older age is associated with a higher risk of IART recurrence.