Outcome measures
bleeding/hematoma, backache, pain
ADVERSE EVENTS
The primary outcome measured was the total RF ablation time required to induce sustained complete atrioventricular node block. Secondary outcomes were the comparison of the number of RF applications required to induce complete atrioventricular node block, total procedure time, radiation exposure, rate of the escape rhythm after ablation in beats/minute (bpm), and the number of patients requiring crossover to the alternate technique and adverse events in each group.Patients were also asked to rate the overall discomfort of the procedure on a scale of 1–100, with 1 being no discomfort and 100 being severe discomfort. Patient discomfort was also assessed using a scale of 1–5, with 1 being no discomfort and 5 being severe discomfort with regard to the following: compression after vascular sheath removal, local anesthesia administration, insertion of vascular sheath and ablation catheter, necessity of immobilization post procedure, limb pain, backache, and bleeding/hematoma post procedure.