Radiofrequency catheter ablation of aberrant conducting pathways of the heart

Article Abstract:

A panel of 68 cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons reports that radiofrequency catheter ablation is an effective treatment for atrial arrhythmias caused by accessory pathways. Accessory pathways are nerve fibers in the heart that bypass the normal electrical conduction system. Individuals with Wolff-Parkinson-White have accessary pathways, and they are susceptible to ventricular arrhythmias, which are very dangerous. Atrial arrhythmias are often treated with drugs, but in the early 1980's, a catheter was developed that could deliver an electric current to the accessory pathway that would destroy it. In 1985, radiofrequency catheters were developed, which are easier to control and safer. Studies of over 500 patients treated with this technique have shown that over 90% can be cured without the need for lifelong drug treatment. The effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation of AV nodal reentrant arrhythmias is less certain.

Supraventricular tachycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

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Treatment of spinal pain syndromes

Article Abstract:

Destroying peripheral nerves may be a promising new treatment for spinal pain syndromes such as results from whiplash. A recent study concluded that a minor surgical procedure that used radio-frequency energy to destroy nerves in the spinal neck joint produced long-term relief in patients with chronic pain from whiplash injury. In most cases pain eventually returned, but the procedure could be repeated. It is unclear whether, as was done in the study, candidates should be selected for treatment by injecting a local anesthetic. The procedure is low risk, and the anesthetic test produces false positives and false negatives.

Health aspects, Editorial, Neck pain, Radio waves

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