Ablation of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with heart failure

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in patients with cardiomyopathy and advanced-symptom class heart failure (HF) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. VAs are typically managed with antiarrhythmic drug therapy and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD). Although ICDs are highly effective in reducing sudden cardiac death by termination of VA, they do not prevent arrhythmia recurrences. Recurrent shocks are not only associated with poor quality of life but also progressive HF and increased mortality and morbidity. Radiofrequency catheter ablation has emerged as an important therapeutic option for patients with drug-refractory ventricular tachycardia to reduce or prevent ICD shocks.