Radiofrequency catheter ablation in drug refractory maternal supraventricular tachycardias in advanced pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Treatment of maternal tachyarrhythmias in pregnancy is a major clinical issue. Pharmacological treatment raises important concerns regarding partial efficacy and side effects. Radiofrequency ablation of arrhythmogenic substrate has rarely been performed during pregnancy because of the fetal risks related to x-ray exposure and potential fetomaternal procedural complications. CASES Three women affected by supraventricular tachycardias refractory to pharmacological therapy underwent successful radiofrequency catheter ablation at 29 to 30 weeks' pregnancy. All patients had cesarean delivery of newborns with normal Apgar scores. CONCLUSION Radiofrequency catheter ablation is an effective treatment of drug refractory maternal supraventricular tachycardias in advanced pregnancy. Further studies are required to establish its long-term fetal safety.