Modifi cation of atrioventricular node in a special condition treating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

Abstract

Modifi cation of atrioventricular node is a usual and necessary operation to cure atrioventricular nodal reentrant 
tachycardia (AVNRT). In this operation, atrioventricular block is the most severe complication and its prevention 
is of our great concern. This complication always occurs under some special circumstances with potential risk. 
So, it is very important to realize such conditions, as in this paper. A patient with paroxysmal palpitation for 10 
years, aggravating to shortness of breath with chest distress for 1 year; cardiac electrophysiological examination 
found slow conduction in both antegrade and retrograde paths of reentrant loop, and typical AVNRT could 
be induced. During effective ablation there was no junctional rhythm. In some special cases, modifi cation of 
atrioventricular node should not only rely on the junctional rhythm to determine the ablation effect, but also on 
the time of cardiac electrophysiological examination, as such to avoid the severe complication of atrioventricular 
block caused by excessive ablation.