Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) Ablation
Cardiac Arrhythmia Ablation
Cardiac Device Implantation
What is VT Ablation?
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) ablation is a procedure used to treat life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms originating from the ventricles. It involves using catheters to locate and eliminate the electrical circuits responsible for VT. Success rates vary based on the patient’s individual circumstances, and some may require repeat procedures.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Depending on your condition and the complexity of the ablation, you may be awake or under general anesthesia (asleep).
- Catheters will be inserted into the groin (left, right, or both) under local anesthetic and guided to the heart using X-ray imaging and/or magnetic mapping technology.
- The heart will be stimulated to identify abnormal electrical pathways and potential VT sources.
- If an abnormal rhythm is identified, radiofrequency will be used to eliminate the problem area.
- You may experience extra beats, skipped beats, or "flip-flop" sensations, which are normal during the procedure.
Risks Involved
While VT ablation is a safe and effective treatment, potential risks include:
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site.
- Minor bleeding at the groin site, which can typically be controlled by applying firm pressure for 30 minutes.
- Extra/skipped beats, which are common as the heart heals.
- Blood clots or stroke (rare, as blood thinners may be used to minimize risk)
- Heart perforation or damage to heart structures (rare but possible due to catheter placement inside the heart).
- Damage to the heart’s electrical system, which may require a pacemaker (in rare cases).
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Minor bruising and soreness in the groin, which may take a few weeks to fully resolve.
- Temporary irregular heartbeats, which are common as the heart heals.
- Fatigue for a few days following the procedure.
- If minor bleeding occurs at the catheter site, apply firm pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, seek medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Go to the Emergency Room if you experience:
- Severe pain or increasing swelling in the groin where catheters were inserted.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Vomiting blood or severe nausea.
- Uncontrolled bleeding at the catheter site.
- Stroke-like symptoms such as changes in vision, inability to speak or understand speech, difficulty walking, or loss of function in arms or legs.
Success Rate and Follow-Up Care
- Follow-up with an arrhythmia physician will be arranged in ICD clinic or in our outpatient clinic in 3-6 months.
- If VT recurs, contact our office to discuss further evaluation and treatment options.
For any concerns after the procedure, do not hesitate to reach out to our office for guidance.