The efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia associated with cardiomyopathy.

We performed radiofrequency catheter ablation (RF ablation) for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 2 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and 1 patient with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). Patient 1 had incessant VT associated with DCM. RF ablation was performed where diastolic potentials were recorded and concealed entrainment was demonstrated. VT was terminated by RF ablation. Patient 2 had drug-resistant VT associated with ARVD. RF ablation was performed where perfect pace-mapping was obtained during sinus rhythm, diastolic potentials were recorded and concealed entrainment was demonstrated. VT was terminated by RF ablation. Patient 3 had 2 morphologically distinct VTs associated with DCM. The target for RF ablation was 1 of the 2, which was a drug-resistant type. Perfect pace mapping was obtained where delayed potentials were recorded. As the current strength of pacing was reduced, the QRS complex configuration switched to the other type. This site was thought to be the common slow conduction zone for the re-entry circuit of the 2 types and RF ablation was performed at this site. In these 3 cases, VT did not recur after ablation. RF ablation is effective for the treatment of VT associated with cardiomyopathy.