The role of ventricular tachycardia ablation in the reduction of implantable defibrillator shocks

Heart Fail Clin. 2011 Apr;7(2):207-13, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.hfc.2010.12.006.

Abstract

Frequent shocks from an implantable defibrillator (ICD) can have adverse cardiac affects and lead to increased pain, anxiety, and a decreased quality of life. Pharmacologic attempts and ICD reprogramming strategies aimed at reducing ICD shocks have modest results, with frequent discontinuation of medicines because of side effects. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is recommended in the treatment of patients with frequent ICD shocks caused by VT. VT ablation may also be considered in patients with an initial ICD shock and as prophylactic treatment in patients with a history of sustained VT who are undergoing ICD implant.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Algorithms
  • Body Surface Potential Mapping / methods
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable / adverse effects
  • Defibrillators, Implantable / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / drug therapy
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / surgery*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / therapy

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists