Ventricular Tachycardia induced by Antitachycardia Pacing for Ventricular Tachycardia: Not so Pain Free?

Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) has an important role in reducing shocks and improving quality of life and device longevity in patients with ICDs and monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT)1-4. ATP interrupts reentry, presumably by blocking conduction in a reentry circuit. However, when multiple potential reentry paths are present, pacing can alter the reentry circuit path or initiate reentry in another circuit, changing the VT. The PainFree Rx II trial5 demonstrated that ATP was effective for fast (between 188 and 250 beat/min) VTs without increasing syncope or decreasing efficacy of a subsequent shock as compared to slower VTs.
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research