Management of Pace-Terminated Ventricular Arrhythmias

Publication date: Available online 29 June 2015 Source:Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics Author(s): Sean D. Pokorney , Sana M. Al-KhatibTeaser An implantable-cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can terminate ventricular arrhythmias by delivering a shock or by antitachycardia pacing (ATP). The ATP works by capturing the excitable gap and disrupting re-entrant ventricular arrhythmias. Multiple studies have demonstrated that ATP is successful at terminating ventricular tachycardia (VT). Shocks from the ICD are associated with higher mortality. The data are conflicting about whether appropriate ATP is associated with higher mortality. In a patient with VT that is treated by ATP, the patient’s guideline-based heart failure medications should be maximized. The use of VT ablation after appropriate and successful ATP requires additional studies.
Source: Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research