Ventricular tachycardia is a fast heartbeat which comes from the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart). It is a potentially dangerous rhythm and requires investigation and often treatment.
Ventricular tachycardia ablation is a procedure which uses radiofrequency to create scar which blocks the circuits within the heart that allow fast rhythms to start and continue.
It can be used to reduce the frequency and symptoms of ventricular tachycardia but may also be used for patients who already have an ICD implanted to reduce the number of shocks they are getting.
This procedure is performed in a special operating theatre and can be performed under local anaesthetic and sedation (medication to make you sleepy), though sometimes can be undertaken with a general anaesthetic.
This procedure involves the insertion of some long thin tubes known as catheters, which will be carefully guided to your heart through a vein in your groin using X-ray imaging. These catheters can monitor electrical signals to identify the correct location to ablate and can deliver radio frequency energy to the area that needs to be treated.
The duration of this procedure can range from 4 - 6 hours. At the end of the procedure the tubes will be removed from the top of the leg and you will be observed. You are likely to stay in overnight following the procedure.
There benefits are to reduce symptoms from ventricular tachycardia and to reduce the risk of shocks, if you already have an ICD. There is a small chance of a serious complication which includes accumulation of fluid around the heart (which would require another procedure to drain the fluid) or even death. There may be bruising at the top of the leg but this usually resolves over the next week or so.
Ventricular tachycardia ablation is a specialist procedure requiring expert review and decision-making. Our cardiologists are available for consultation on any day of the week and weekends as well.
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