With a new technology, 3D CARTO mapping, catheter-based treatment for treating complex arrhythmias has become a better substitute for drugs, says an expert. "The treatment method is safe from the problems of side effects, which is a drawback of drugs, and can avoid the discomfort of surgery," said Prof. Kirsten Pederson, consultant cardiologist, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.

In a workshop on 'Radiofrequency Ablation of Complex Arrhythmias using 3D CARTO Mapping' conducted by Frontier Lifeline's Dr. K.M. Cherian Heart Foundation, the experts said that the catheter based treatment has a success rate of 80%, while the rest of 20% cases have the chances of recurrence after successful recovery. Without considering this recurrence rate, the success rate is 100%, which can be achieved without side effects caused by drugs. The drugs will only result in 50% success, as the recurrence rate in the case is 50%.

The new technology 3D CARTO mapping, which helps to map the origin of the irregular rhythm, is a major factor in increasing the success rate of the catheter-based treatment. The treatment also offers long term cure, as the drugs normally show its short term, long term side effects like sleeping disorders, psychological disorders, stomach problems, thyroid problems etc.

Through the three-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping of the heart, the expert can find the points of spark emission, which causes the irregular rhythm. The technology has found to be much reliable in complex arrhythmias, which ends up in brain stroke of patient. The catheter-based treatment will be cost effective, compared to the drugs, which have a long period to show results. Pederson said that the studies for better options to reduce the recurrence rate, including the usage of ultra sound energy and much sophisticated radio frequency methods, are in the laboratory.

The equipments for radio frequency ablation using 3D CARTO mapping has become a common facility in Denmark and 500 to 600 patients are treated under the facility in the Aarhus University Hospital every year. Pederson told Pharmabiz that the hospital still has a waiting list of patients with arrhythmias for next two years, who have opted for catheter-based treatment.