Same ablation may be used for frequent premature ventricular contractions and supraventricular tachycardia

Med Hypotheses. 2009 Nov;73(5):818-20. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.03.046. Epub 2009 Jul 9.

Abstract

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has been increasingly used for the treatment of various kinds of cardiac arrhythmias over the past 20 years. RFCA of symptomatic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) has been reported to be a safe and effective treatment option and may be considered in patients with extremely symptomatic or incapacitating cases who do not respond to medications. Long-term prognosis in patients with truly idiopathic PVCs is excellent, despite frequent recurrences of tachycardia. Sudden death is rare in patients with initially normal left and right ventricular function, in such patients, occult cardiomyopathy is usually identified on postmortem examination. Similarly, progression to diffuse cardiomyopathy is rare. Ablation of PVCs may equal that of supraventricular tachycardia in terms of success rate, safety. These new views will help understand the diagnosis and treatment method for frequent PVCs in patients without heart disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / therapy*
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / therapy*