Long-term results of catheter ablation of idiopathic right ventricular tachycardia

Fred Morady, Alan H. Kadish, Lorenzo DiCarlo, William H. Kou, Stuart Winston, Michael DeBuitlier, Hugh Calkins, Shimon Rosenheck, Joao Sousa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

218 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ten consecutive patients with recurrent episodes of symptomatic, idiopathic, sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) originating in the right ventricle underwent an attempt at catheter ablation of the ventricular tachycardia. There were seven women and three men, with a mean age of 39±14 years (±SD). None of the patients had any evidence of structural heart disease. The VT had a left bundle branch block configuration and an inferior axis in each patient, and the mean cycle length was 313±75 msec. Based on the methods of induction of the VT and the response of the VT to verapamil, the VT mechanism was presumed to be reentry in six patients, triggered activity in three patients, and catecholamine-sensitive automaticity in one patient. Sites for ablation were guided by pace mapping, and an appropriate target site was identified in the right ventricular outflow tract in each patient. From one to three shocks of 100-360 J (mean total, 336±195 J) were delivered from a defibrillator between the tip of the ablation catheter (cathode) and a patch electrode on the anterior chest (anode). An electrophysiology test 7-9 days after ablation demonstrated that VT was still inducible in only one patient, who was treated with amiodarone. One other patient had a recurrence of VT 3 weeks after ablation and was treated with verapamil. Eight of 10 patients were not treated with antiarrhythmic medications and have had no episodes of symptomatic VT during 15-68 months of follow-up (mean follow-up, 33±18 months). There were no acute or long-term complications. In conclusion, long-term success in preventing VT is achievable safely and in a high percentage of patients who have idiopathic right VT originating in the right ventricle.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2093-2099
Number of pages7
JournalCirculation
Volume82
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Catheter ablation
  • Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Physiology (medical)

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