Heart, lung & circulation
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Heart, lung & circulation · Jun 2012
ReviewRadiofrequency catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia.
The management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) has evolved considerably in recent times. The majority of patients with VT have structural heart disease and often implantable defibrillators. ⋯ Radiofrequency catheter ablation has a definite role as an alternative to anti-arrhythmic therapy in both groups of patients. This review outlines the indications, techniques and outcomes of catheter ablation in the management of patients with ventricular tachycardia.
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Heart, lung & circulation · Jun 2012
ReviewCardiac implantable electronic device therapy for bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias.
Pacemakers originally were developed for patients with profound bradycardia and complete heart block who, without them, usually suffered from syncope, heart failure and an early demise. Since that time, devices have evolved to include pacing and shock therapies for the management of tachyarrhythmias and heart failure with the aim of improving quality, and if possible, length of life. Whether to insert a device depends on a balance between the potential benefits of device therapy and its risks, which are not inconsiderable. We discuss current agreed indications for pacemakers and implantable defibrillators and some current controversies surrounding their use.