Surgical management of ventricular tachycardia

Surgical techniques that are used to treat VT have evolved into a sophisticated science over the past decade. Combining advanced electrophysiologic stimulation and study of the heart with innovative surgical approaches has been the key to successfully managing patients with recurrent VT. Several different surgical approaches have been developed. Endocardial excision and aneurysmectomy, which are combined with preoperative and intraoperative mapping, are the procedures currently used at HUP. Other institutions use simple ventriculotomy, endocardial encircling ventriculotomy, cryosurgery, and pacemaker therapy. The ability to successfully terminate VT has improved markedly from early attempts with use of these techniques. Long-term efficacy of these procedures and possible late complications remain to be established. Nursing management of the patient who undergoes surgery for VT is a challenging experience. It requires knowing basic principles of caring for the patient who will have open heart surgery. It also requires in-depth understanding of new and changing techniques and procedures to provide knowledgeable care to the patient.