VT Ablation
VT ablation, or catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia, is a medical procedure that involves using a catheter to locate and destroy small areas of heart tissue that are causing abnormal electrical signals and triggering rapid and potentially life-threatening heart rhythms called ventricular tachycardia. VT ablation is a type of cardiac ablation procedure that is used to treat patients who experience recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia despite medication therapy.
During the procedure, catheters is inserted into the veins or arteries in the groin and guided up to the heart. Occasionally, catheters are even introduced through the chest wall to ablate on the outer surface of the heart. The catheter delivers radiofrequency energy, or heat, to the area of heart tissue that is causing the abnormal electrical signals. This destroys the tissue and interrupts the abnormal electrical pathway, preventing the ventricular tachycardia from occurring.
VT ablation is typically performed under either local or general anaesthesia depending on the case, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for observation after the procedure. The success rate of VT ablation can vary depending on the individual case and on a number of factors, including the underlying cause of the ventricular tachycardia, the location of the abnormal electrical signals, and the experience of the ablation team. Success rates tend to be higher for patients with structurally normal hearts, meaning that there is no underlying heart disease or damage. Patients with structural heart disease, such as a history of heart attack or heart failure, may have a lower success rate due to the complexity of the procedure and the risk of recurrent ventricular tachycardia. In general, the success rate of VT ablation ranges from 50% to 90% depending on the case and the procedure may sometimes need to be repeated in complex patients if the ventricular tachycardia recurs.
VT ablation is generally suitable for patients who experience recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) that cannot be effectively controlled with medication, or who experience side effects from the medication. However, not all patients with VT are suitable candidates for ablation, and the decision to undergo the procedure should be made on an individual basis after consulting with an electrophysiologist. Suitable patients include:
- Patients with VT with no apparent structural heart disease
- Patients who have experienced complications related to their VT, such as syncope (fainting) or hemodynamic instability
- Patients who experience a high frequency of VT episodes despite optimal medical therapy
- Patients who have tried other treatments for their VT, such as anti-arrhythmic medications and still have VT
- Patients who had multiple shocks from their ICD despite medications.
Overall, VT ablation is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia, and it can help improve quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with the condition. However, it is important to note that VT ablation may not be appropriate for all patients, and in some cases, medications may be a safer option. VT ablation is a complex ablation procedure and while VT ablation is generally considered safe, there is a risk of complications associated with the procedure, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to the heart or blood vessels. It is important to discuss with an electrophysiologist to determine if VT ablation is the appropriate treatment option and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.