Noninvasive Mapping System for the Stereotactic Radioablation Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia: A Case Description.

OBJECTIVES

Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT) is a life-threatening condition that is often observed in patients with structural heart disease. Catheter ablation (CA) ablation is an effective and well-established treatment for the scar-related ventricular tachycardias (VTs). Sometimes, due to patient fragility or contraindications to CA, a noninvasive procedure is required. In these cases, VT ablation with stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) for SMVTs supported by the CardioInsight mapping system seems to be a promising and effective noninvasive approach.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We report a case of a 55-year-old male smoker and heavy alcohol consumer who developed ischemic heart disease and frequent refractory SMVT relative to antiarrhythmic drugs. Catheter ablation was not practicable due to the presence of an apical thrombosis in the left ventricle. The CardioInsight system (Cardioinsight Technologies Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA) was useful for noninvasively mapping the VTs, identifying two target areas on the septum and anterior wall of the left ventricle. A personalized STAR treatment plan was carefully designed, and it was delivered in a few minutes. During follow-up, a significant reduction in the arrhythmia burden was documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation supported by the CardioInsight system could be an alternative treatment for VTs when catheter ablation is not possible. Larger studies are needed to investigate this technique.