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Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction
06:57

Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction

Published on: January 31, 2019

Iatrogenic ventricular tachycardia

Sascha Meyer1, Günther Löffler, Ludwig Gortner

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany. sascha.meyer@uniklinik-saarland.de

European Journal of Pediatrics
|September 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric cardiac surgery patients may develop dangerous arrhythmias. A neonate experienced life-threatening ventricular tachycardia after catheter removal, highlighting the need for immediate treatment preparedness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Post-operative cardiac arrhythmias are a known complication in pediatric patients following cardiac surgery.
  • Temporary cardiac pacing or monitoring devices are sometimes used in neonates and infants after complex cardiac procedures.

Observation:

  • A 6-week-old neonate developed severe ventricular tachycardia.
  • This event occurred immediately after the removal of a substernal catheter that encircled the heart.

Findings:

  • The ventricular tachycardia led to significant cardio-circulatory compromise.
  • Device-related arrhythmias, specifically ventricular tachycardia, can be triggered by the removal of temporary cardiac devices.

Implications:

  • Physicians must anticipate and be prepared for device-related ventricular tachycardia in pediatric patients undergoing temporary device removal.
  • Prompt and adequate treatment initiation is crucial for managing this potentially life-threatening complication in neonates and infants.

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