An overview of Ventricular tachycardia ablation
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is a medical procedure used to treat a type of fast, erratic heartbeat called ventricular tachycardia. The goal of VT ablation is to restore a regular heart rhythm by creating tiny scars in the heart using cold or heat energy. This is done to block faulty signals that cause the rapid, erratic heartbeat. The procedure is usually performed in the hospital, with the patient receiving a sedative or anesthesia. The health care provider inserts a long flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel, usually in the groin area, and guides it to the heart. The catheter sends electrical impulses and records the heart's electricity to determine the best place to apply the VT ablation treatment. The procedure may be done from inside or outside the heart, depending on the source of the irregular heartbeat. Ventricular tachycardia ablation aims to improve a person's quality of life by reducing symptoms such as fatigue and the frequency of ICD shocks. However, there is a chance that the irregular heart rhythm may return, and additional treatments may be necessary.
What is Ventricular tachycardia ablation used for?
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is a medical procedure used to treat a type of fast, erratic heartbeat called ventricular tachycardia. The goal of VT ablation is to restore a regular heart rhythm by creating tiny scars in the heart using cold or heat energy. This is done to block faulty signals that cause the rapid, erratic heartbeat. The procedure is usually performed in the hospital, with the patient receiving a sedative or anesthesia. The health care provider inserts a long flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel, usually in the groin area, and guides it to the heart. The catheter sends electrical impulses and records the heart's electricity to determine the best place to apply the VT ablation treatment. The procedure may be done from inside or outside the heart, depending on the source of the irregular heartbeat. Ventricular tachycardia ablation aims to improve a person's quality of life by reducing symptoms such as fatigue and the frequency of ICD shocks. However, there is a chance that the irregular heart rhythm may return, and additional treatments may be necessary.
How is Ventricular tachycardia ablation conducted?
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is a medical procedure that uses cold or heat energy to create small scars in the heart, which blocks faulty signals that cause a rapid, erratic heartbeat. The procedure is conducted in a hospital, and the following steps generally take place:
- Sedation or anesthesia: Before the procedure, a medication called a sedative is administered to help you relax, or in some cases, anesthesia is used to put you in a sleep-like state.
- Site preparation: A healthcare provider shaves any hair from an area, usually the groin, and then numbs the area.
- Catheter insertion: A long flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin area. The catheter is gently guided to the heart.
- Electrical impulse monitoring: Sensors on the tip of the catheter send electrical impulses and record the heart's electricity. The healthcare provider uses this information to determine the best place to apply the VT ablation treatment.
- Ablation technique: The healthcare provider will choose one of the following ablation techniques to create small scars in the heart and block irregular heart rhythms:
- Heat (radiofrequency energy)
- Extreme cold (cryoablation)
- In some cases, the procedure may be done at both locations, inside and outside the heart.
- Recovery and monitoring: After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where care providers will closely monitor your condition. You will likely stay overnight in the hospital. It's important to discuss the benefits and risks of VT ablation with your healthcare provider before the procedure.
How are Ventricular tachycardia ablation results reported?
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation results are typically reported based on the success in restoring a regular heart rhythm and reducing symptoms. Most people experience improvements in their quality of life after the procedure, feeling less tired or encountering fewer implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks. However, there is a chance that the irregular heart rhythm may return, and a repeat procedure or alternative treatments may be necessary. The success of the ablation is assessed by monitoring the heart's rhythm and symptoms after the procedure. It is essential to discuss the potential outcomes and the possibility of recurrence with your health care provider before undergoing VT ablation.
Understanding the report
Ventricular tachycardia ablation results are interpreted based on the success in restoring regular heart rhythm, reduction in the frequency and severity of symptoms, and improvement in the quality of life. Most people experience improvements in their quality of life after the procedure. However, there's a chance that the irregular heart rhythm may return, and additional treatments or a repeat procedure might be necessary. The interpretation of the results should be discussed with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.