Interv Akut Kardiol. 2007;6(5):173-176

Catheter ablation of ventricular fibrillation by elimination of trigger premature ventricular contractions

Hanka Mlčochová, Petr Peichl, Jan Bytešník, Josef Kautzner

Klinika kardiologie, Institut klinické a experimentální medicíny, Praha

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is mainly caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF) or rapid ventricular tachycardia. Implantation of cardioverter-defibrilator (ICD) has been adopted as the effective method for primary or secondary prevention of SCD. However, many patients suffer from frequent ICD discharges and the effect of antiarrhythmic drugs is limited. Other patients may encounter arrhythmic storm.

Recent studies have shown that VF can be initiated by premature ventricular contractions originating mostly in the distal Purkinje fibers or right ventricular outflow tract. Catheter ablation of these focal triggers could suppress or even eliminate recurrences of VF. It may be life-saving procedure in patients with arrhythmic storm. In others, catheter elimination of triggering foci may decrease or abolish the need for ICD therapies. For this reason, catheter ablation should be considered as a treatment alternative in all patients with recurrent VF triggered by ventricular ectopic beats.

Keywords: catheter ablation, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions

Published: January 16, 2008  Show citation