Incessant ventricular tachycardia.
The case of an 87-year-old woman with a significant history of coronary artery disease illustrates the challenge associated with intractable ventricular tachycardias, and demonstrates the various options available for terminating and controlling the potentially fatal arrhythmia. A favorable outcome was obtained using advanced cardiac life support guidelines, current pharmacological regimens, ventricular burst pacing with overdrive suppression, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, coronary revascularization and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator insertion. These modalities, as well as other therapeutic alternatives, are discussed in the management of incessant ventricular tachycardia.
Germano
Joseph J
JJ
Department of Medicine, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York, NY, USA.
Padmanabhan
Vellore T
VT
Cohen
Todd J
TJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization; D015607:Stents; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome