Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia: Frequent monomorphic premature ventricular contractions or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia without underlying structural heart disease is not a rare condition and may cause significant symptoms. A subgroup of patients develops IVT-associated cardiomyopathy. Current ESC guidelines recommend primary catheter ablation in symptomatic patients with right ventricular outflow tract IVT. Catheter ablation is also recommended in symptomatic patients with a left ventricular outflow tract (or other rare) origin, if antiarrhythmic drugs are ineffective or not desired.Ventricular tachycardia associated with structural heart disease: Scar-associated ventricular arrhythmias may cause sudden cardiac death in a variety of heart diseases. While ICD implantation has been shown to reduce mortality, repetitive ICD shocks impact on survival and quality of life. In a recent meta-analysis, both amiodarone and catheter ablation reduce the incidence of recurrent ICD shocks. Discontinuation of amiodarone due to side effects is common. Current ESC guidelines recommend both strategies (class 1 indication). Catheter ablation is also recommended in drug-resistant VT or electrical storm. A totally subcutaneous ICD is a novel option in patients not requiring pacing.

Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
614
Schemas01:42

Schemas

A schema is a mental construct consisting of a cluster or collection of related concepts (Bartlett, 1932). There are many different types of schemata, and they all have one thing in common: schemata are a method of organizing information that allows the brain to work more efficiently. When a schema is activated, the brain makes immediate assumptions about the person or object being observed.
12.4K
Anatomy of the Heart01:27

Anatomy of the Heart

The human heart is made up of three layers of tissue that are surrounded by the pericardium, a membrane that protects and confines the heart. The outermost layer, closest to the pericardium, is the epicardium. The pericardial cavity separates the pericardium from the epicardium. Beneath the epicardium is the myocardium, the middle layer, and the endocardium, the innermost layer. There are four chambers of the heart: the right atrium, the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left ventricle.
120.7K