Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
[VT ablation - a technically complex procedure]
Finn Åkerström1, Nikola Drca2, Jonas Schwieler3
1överläkare, ME kardiologi, , ME kardiologi, Hjärt-kärlcentrum.
Insights
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation in structural heart disease patients is effective but complex. Swedish data show 18% VT recurrence and low major adverse events after ablation, suggesting earlier referral may improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in structural heart disease is life-threatening, often necessitating implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
- Catheter ablation offers a therapeutic strategy to mitigate VT recurrence and reduce ICD shocks.
- Limited data exist on VT ablation outcomes and risks specifically within Sweden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze VT ablation outcomes and procedural risks in patients with structural heart disease.
- To contribute the first Swedish data on VT ablation efficacy and safety.
- To evaluate the impact of procedure timing on patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted alongside an analysis of VT ablation data from a single center.
- Sixty patients with structural heart disease underwent 68 VT ablations between 2021 and 2022.
- Follow-up data, including VT recurrence, adverse events, and mortality, were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- After a median 20-month follow-up, 18% of patients experienced VT recurrence.
- Two major adverse events (stroke, complete atrioventricular block) occurred.
- Seven non-arrhythmia-related deaths were recorded; 68% of procedures were subacute, associated with higher risk.
Conclusions:
- VT ablation is feasible and associated with manageable risks in Swedish patients with structural heart disease.
- Early referral for VT ablation, prior to advanced disease progression, may enhance patient outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to optimize patient selection and procedural strategies.
Abstract:
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with structural heart disease is potentially life threatening, and most patients have an indication for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Catheter ablation is an effective therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of VT recurrence and subsequent ICD therapies. However, VT ablation is a technically complex procedure with significant risks and should be performed in experienced centers with appropriate resources. While several reports on outcome and procedural risks have been published, there is currently no data from Sweden. In addition to this literature review, we have analyzed VT ablation outcome data from our center. In 2021 and 2022, 68 VT ablations were performed in 60 patients with structural heart disease. After a median follow-up of 20 months, 18 percent had recurrent VT and there were 2 major adverse events (stroke and complete atrioventricular block). Seven patients died from non-arrhythmia related causes during follow-up. A large proportion (68 percent) were subacute procedures which are associated with a higher periprocedural risk. Referral for VT ablation earlier in the course of disease progression may likely further improve outcomes.
