Epicardial Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia.
Over the last two decades, epicardial catheter ablation has evolved into a practical approach for treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT). There are certain considerations when performing this procedure. First, presence of epicardial fat can diminish peak-to-peak electrogram amplitude and also impede radiofrequency energy delivery. Hence, epicardial VT ablation should be performed with cooled-tip radiofrequency using reduced irrigation flow within a relatively 'dry' pericardial milieu. Furthermore, catheter orientation is key when performing epicardial ablation. Lastly, hemo-pericardium remains the most common major adverse event of epicardial ablation and its presenting timeline may be used to identify the precise nature of this complication.
Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Mercy General Hospital, Dignity Health Heart and Vascular Institute, 3941 J Street, Suite #350, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA.
Arash
A
Aryana
Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Instituto de Pesquisa em Arritmia Cardiaca, Hospital Cardiologico - Florianopolis, Florianopolis, Rodovia SC 401, 121 - Itacorubi, Florianópolis - Santa Catarina 88030, Brazil. Electronic address: andredavila@mac.com.
André
A
d'Avila
D017115:Catheter Ablation; D056149:Epicardial Mapping; D006801:Humans; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery
Catheter ablation; Epicardial; Pericardium; Radiofrequency