Related Experiment Videos
Catheter ablation for recurrent ventricular tachycardia.
R McCowan1, B L Wilkoff, H McAlister
1Department of Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195.
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Catheter ablation successfully treated drug-refractory ventricular tachycardia in a patient with device complications. This procedure is recommended for patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia and rate crossover issues.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia.
- Drug therapy and device implantation (antitachycardia pacing and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators) are common treatments for VT.
- Complications such as rate crossover and inappropriate device discharges can occur.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old male patient presented with VT refractory to medical management.
- The patient had an antitachycardia pacemaker and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implanted.
- Suspected rate crossover between sinus rhythm and antitachycardia pacemaker detection, along with frequent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharges, complicated his management.
Findings:
- Catheter ablation was performed to treat the refractory VT.
- The procedure was technically successful.
- The patient experienced an uneventful long-term follow-up post-ablation.
Implications:
- Catheter ablation is a viable and effective treatment option for VT refractory to both drug and device therapy.
- Patients experiencing rate crossover issues with antitachycardia pacing and defibrillators may benefit from catheter ablation.
- This case highlights the importance of considering ablation in complex VT cases with device-related challenges.