Epicardial Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Catheter ablation can effectively reduce the frequency of ventricular tachycardia in ischemic cardiomyopathy by ablating sites of reentry within complex regions of myocardial scar. In cases of near transmural infarction, this arrhythmia substrate may be nearer the epicardium than the endocardium, and epicardial ablation may be necessary. An epicardial substrate location can potentially be predicted by imaging that suggests transmural infarction. Percutaneous epicardial ablation improves outcomes in selected patients, but is higher risk and avoided in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting.

Keywords: Catheter ablation; Epicardial access; Ischemic cardiomyopathy; Myocardial infarction; Ventricular tachycardia.