Final answer:
Slow pathway ablation and modification are two procedures used to treat supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Ablation destroys the abnormal pathway, while modification selectively alters it without complete removal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The slow pathway ablation and modification are two different procedures used to treat supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a condition characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm. Slow pathway ablation involves using radiofrequency energy to destroy the small area of the heart responsible for the abnormal electrical signals that cause SVT. On the other hand, slow pathway modification aims to selectively modify the electrical pathway without destroying it completely.
During slow pathway ablation, a catheter is inserted into the heart and positioned near the tissue responsible for the abnormal signals. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered, causing the tissue to heat up and effectively destroy it. This prevents the abnormal electrical signals from traveling through that pathway.
In contrast, slow pathway modification involves a similar procedure but instead of completely destroying the tissue, the electrical pathway is modified using radiofrequency energy. This modification makes the pathway less effective in conducting the abnormal electrical signals, effectively treating the SVT without completely eliminating the pathway.