Hybrid Catheter-Based and Surgical Techniques for Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias

Catheter ablation is a rapidly expanding and evolving field. The advent of interventional techniques and advances in technology have allowed catheter ablation to supplant antiarrhythmic surgery for ventricular arrhythmia treatment. However, issues related to access and energy delivery limit the use of catheter ablation in some cases. Hybrid catheter-based and surgical techniques represent a novel approach to overcome these limitations. The hybrid technique combines the strengths and minimises the limitations of either catheter or surgical ablation alone. There is a growing body of evidence in the literature supporting the safety and efficacy of the hybrid surgical technique. This review aims to provide an overview of hybrid surgical-catheter ablation for ventricular arrhythmia.