HRS 40th Anniversary Viewpoints: Historical Aspects of the Use of Radiofrequency Energy to Treat Arrhythmias

I first observed the treatment of arrhythmias by catheter ablation in Paris when I did a sabbatical in 1979-1980 under the supervision of Dr. Guy Fontaine. At that time, catheter ablation was performed using high energy DC shock (fulguration) by inserting a catheter localized to the site of ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Fulguration was limited to areas of thick myocardium to avoid perforation. Therefore, only ablation of the AV node, septal accessory pathways and left ventricular tachycardia (VT) could be performed.
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research