Surgical management of ventricular tachyarrhythmias

Advances in the surgical management of ventricular tachyarrhythmias have been dramatic in recent years. Seriously ill patients, with or without ventricular aneurysms, who have medically refractory ventricular tachyarrhythmias may be candidates for intraoperative electrophysiologic mapping with surgical excision and/or cryoblation of the foci of their arrhythmias. In properly selected patients current techniques may offer success rates in excess of 90%. We report two cases of patients who have undergone such a procedure with excellent results. Indications for and results of surgical management are discussed.