Muthiah Subramanian
Auras R. Atreya
Daljeet Kaur Saggu1
Narasimhan Calambur- 1Department of Cardiology, AIG Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Gachibowli, India
- 2Department of Cardiology, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
Catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias has evolved considerably since it was first described more than 3 decades ago. Advancements in understanding the underlying substrate, utilizing pre-procedural imaging, and evolving ablation techniques have improved the outcomes of catheter ablation. Ensuring safety and efficacy during catheter ablation requires adequate planning, including analysis of the 12 lead ECG and appropriate pre-procedural imaging. Defining the underlying arrhythmogenic substrate and disease eitology allow for the developed of tailored ablation strategies, especially for patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. During ablation, the type of anesthesia can affect VT induction, the quality of the electro-anatomic map, and the stability of the catheter during ablation. For high risk patients, appropriate selection of hemodynamic support can increase the success of VT ablation. For patients in whom VT is hemodynamically unstable or difficult to induce, substrate modification strategies can aid in safe and successful ablation. Recently, there has been an several advancements in substrate mapping strategies that can be used to identify and differentiate local late potentials. The incorporation of high-definition mapping and contact-sense technologies have both had incremental benefits on the success of ablation procedures. It is crucial to harness newer technology and ablation strategies with the highest level of peri-procedural safety to achieve optimal long-term outcomes in patients undergoing VT ablation.
Introduction
Catheter ablation has an important role in the management of patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) (1, 2). Advances in pre-procedural imaging, intra-procedural mapping, and ablation techniques have improved the outcome of catheter ablation. As catheter ablation becomes a first-line therapy, it is crucial to employ a systematic approach for clinical assessment, mapping, and ablation of VT. The goals of ablation includes (a) elimination or reduction of the underlying arrhythmia, (b) maintaining patient safety and (c) limiting collateral injury to improve long term outcomes. In this review we will address the importance of understanding the underlying substrate, pre-procedural planning, and strategies to improve mapping and ablation of VT.
Pre-procedural planning
Understanding the substrate
A careful evaluation of the patient history, 12 lead ECG, and imaging are critical for understanding the mechanism and localization of the origin of VT. Anatomic substrate, electrophysiological characteristics and approach to catheter ablation are different among patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. While the scar in ischemic cardiomyopathy is usually sub-endocardial, patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) often have patchy VT circuits located in mid-myocardium and epicardial location (3, 4). Patients with non-endocardial scars may require epicardial access, bipolar ablation, and more advanced ablation techniques (5). Patients with NICM, who have failed prior endocardial ablations, often have more extensive scar in the epicardium with more than 50% of these patients requiring an epicardial ablation (6, 7). In addition, these substrates can progress, especially in conditions like sarcoidosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and arrhythomgenic right ventricular dysplasia (8). Treatment of the underlying disease is important to prevent disease progression, recurrence of arrhythmias and heart failure hospitalizations.
ECG characterization
Evaluation of the ECG in sinus rhythm and VT (if available) can help characterize the site and extent of the underlying scar. Presence of q waves in sinus rhythm can provide a clue regarding the location of myocardial scarring. In patients with NICM, fragmented QRS complexes can be used to aid scar localization (9). The 12 lead ECG allows for localization of the “exit site” of VTs with a predictive accuracy of >70% to guide initial mapping efforts (10). Utilizing the 4-quadrant approach allows for easy localization of cardiac structures where the VA may exit from. It is important to understand that depending on the size of the circuit, this exit site may be up to 2–5 cm2 away from the critical isthmus (10). Clinical and automated VT-ECG algorithms have been developed to predict SOO, but its use remains limited (11, 12). Several algorithms are available for identification of potential epicardial VT exits, although they are less useful in patients with extensive scar (13, 14). Irregular cycle lengths and pleomorphism of underlying VT morphology are potential indicators of underlying myocardial inflammation (15). Electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) is a non-invasive mapping strategy that combines a computed tomography scan of the chest and with a continuous 256-lead ECG recorded by a multi-electrode vest to accurately predict the VA exit site (16).
Pre-procedural imaging
Pre-procedural imaging can be very useful in guiding the operator towards the areas of interest and increasing success rate of ablation. Contrast enhanced MRI (CMR) has become the cornerstone of pre-procedural imaging because of its ability to delineate myocardial scar (17, 18). In patients with idiopathic PVCs or VT, CMR can visualize areas of scarring that may have not identified on routine echocardiography. Most importantly, CMR can help guide electro-anatomic mapping and delineate areas of potential substrate for ablation. Along with ECG, CMR can be used to determine the predominant scar pattern and likelihood of mid-myocardial and epicardial ablation targets (19). Beyond the need for up-front epicardial access, CMR can also be used to identify the critical site for VT circuits based on the signal intensity and transmurality of the scar (20, 21). Delayed gadalonium enhancement, and grey border zones zones have good correlation with conducting channels and can identify critical isthmus sites in >70% of cases (22). However artifacts related to ICD lead remain one of the major limitations in interpretation of images in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Recent studies have tested the feasibility of wideband inversion recovery CMR protocols in patients with CIEDs (23, 24). These sequences significantly reduced hyperenhancement artifacts, offering a potential solution for patients with ICDs.
Computed tomography is a viable option when MRI is not feasible. It has higher spatial resolution than CMR and its use is increasing as a pre-procedural tool during VT ablation (Figure 1). However, it is limited by a lower contrast-to-noise ratio within myocardial tissue, contributing to inferior scar delineation (25). CECT combined with dynamic, perfusion imaging has been shown to accurately characterize LV scar and border-zone substrates (26). Recent studies have evaluated the role of CT imaging (with post-processing using proprietary MUSIC software, IHU LIRYC Bordeaux and Inria Sophia Antipolis, France), in identifying ridges/channels which denote preserved myocardial tissue surrounded by scar (thinned out areas) that could potentially be targets for ablation (27, 28). Cardiac anatomy and substrate characterization identified by CMR and CT imaging can be integrated into the EAM systems for guidance during the ablation procedure (21, 29). With this technique, areas of scar identified on CT imaging correlate well with low voltage areas on the EAM system (both unipolar and bipolar voltage maps) (30, 31).
Figure 1. Utility of Pre-procedural imaging. Three dimensional volume rendered CT image of heart showing submitral posterobasal aneurysm (green dots) (A). 3D Electroanatomic Images in RAO and PA showing earliest activation in the aneurysm (white arrow) (B). RFA at this site eliminated the PVCs.
Figure 2. Importance of multielectrode mapping. A Case of ARVC with VT storm: substrate mapping with (A) multipolar catheter (1 mm electrode size) showed isolated late potentials within the scar; (B) mapping with the ablation catheter (3.5 mm tip electrode) at the same site could not pick up these signals. However, pacing at same site captured with latency.
In patients with acute inflammatory cardiomyopathies, a fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan have an incremental advantage in diagnosis and assessing the extent of inflammatory burden. In patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathies like sarcoidosis, the results of CA during the inflammatory phase are poor and the recurrence rates were higher (32). Combining FDG PET with CMR allows for better characterization of scar burden and myocardial inflammation (33).
Lastly, cardiac computed tomography (CT) can also provide an accurate roadmap of anatomy and to minimize complications. Major collateral injury to adjacent structures like the heart, liver and coronary vessels have been reported in 4%–10% of patients during subxiphoid percutaneous epicardial access (34, 35). We recently used a pre-procedural CT imaging to plan epicardial access in patients undergoing VT ablation. This allows the operator to pre-determine the ideal site, angle, and trajectory of needle insertion to avoid collateral injury (36). Prior knowledge of the needle course can aid in increasing the safety of epicardial access, especially in patients with a distorted anatomy.
Strategies for vascular access, anesthesia, and hemodynamic support
Safe vascular access and approach
Vascular complications due to access site issues are to be strictly avoided. Complications are due to multiple large-bore access sites followed by intra-procedural systemic anticoagulation. Ultrasound guidance has been shown to improve the safety by reducing vascular access-related complications (37). Ultrasound guided femoral puncture has a short learning curve and does not interfere with the normal workflow of EP procedures. Meta-analysis of observational trials have showed up to a 65% reduction in major and minor vascular complications using ultrasound guidance for femoral vein access in EP procedures (38). Patients with both aortic and mitral mechanical valves present a challenge to achieve LV endocardial access. In these rare circumstances, both a transapical access and inter-ventricular septal access have been described. A detailed description of the epicardial access technique and challenges is beyond the scope of this manuscript.
Anesthetic considerations
Discussions between the electrophysiologist and anesthesiologist prior to procedure can be extremely useful in helpful in increasing the success rate of CA and mitigating complications. Depending on the patient and the operator, VT ablation is usually performed under general anesthesia or under monitored anesthesia care (MAC). Advantages of MAC with sedation are avoiding anesthetics that can potentially depress myocardial contractility and decrease the inducibility of VT (39). Idiopathic PVCs may be difficult to induce, and it is better to avoid intravenous anesthetics that reduce sympathetic tone (dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and propofol) in these patients. For patients undergoing prolonged, complex procedures who have unstable rhythms or poor cardiopulmonary reserve, GA is preferred. Controlling patient ventilation during GA aids in maintaining a constant tidal volume and I:E (Inspiratory:expiratory) ratios. This can help to improve the quality of the electro-anatomical map as well. Controlled apnea during the procedure can be a useful strategy to improve catheter contact during ablation. In addition, an end inspiratory breath hold can also provide a safer needle trajectory during epicardial access, by minimizing collateral damage to adjacent structures (36). Neuromuscular blockade agents should be avoided when the planned ablation site is closer to the phrenic nerve, as they can prevent phrenic nerve localization by pacing (39).
Hemodynamic support
In recent years, mechanical circulatory support has be used as both an emergent “rescue” and prophylactic therapy for high-risk patients undergoing VT ablation. Acute hemodynamic compromise can occur not only during sustained VT, but also during sinus rhythm or right ventricular pacing. The PAAINESD score is a risk stratification tool that has been used to guide selection of patients for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) (40). The advantages of MCS are mapping of a greater number of VTs using activation and entrainment mapping in a sicker cohort of patients. Intra-aortic balloon pumps, TandemHeart, Impella axial blood flow pump, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation have all been used in VT ablation. The major advantages of percutaneous ventricular assist devices, compared to IABP, is that patients maintain end-organ perfusion during VT for longer periods (41). The decision to use MCS during VT ablation needs to be individualized. Integrated care between cardiologists, surgeons, and anesthetists is important for planning vascular access, optimizing hemodynamics during VT ablation.
Role of intra-procedural imaging
Intra-procedural imaging for VT ablation involves two major aspects—image integration into the electro-anatomic mapping (EAM) system and real-time imaging during ablation. Integrating CMR images with EAM can enhance the scar definition and has the potential to facilitate targeted approaches to VT ablation. When patients undergoing MRI-derived scar-guided ablation were compared to those undergoing traditional ablation, there is a lower incidence of recurrence in the former (29, 42). Integrating CT imaging can also be an useful strategy as it can delineate epicardial fat, coronary anatomy, and the course of the phrenic vessels (25, 30). Intra-cardiac echocardiography is commonly used during VT ablation. It is an useful tool to understand catheter contact when mapping intracavitary structures such as papillary muscles and moderator band (43). In addition it can serve as an important safety tool for asses pericardial effusion and assessing ablation lesion depth (44). Real-time CMR guided ablation procedures have been described in a few case series (45). The advantages of this system is ability to image and assess the entire myocardium and ablation lesions in real time. Real-time CMR system may substantially change the work-flow during VT ablation.
Optimizing anticoagulation during ablation
Anticoagulation strategies during VT ablation are dependent on right vs. left sided ablation and whether the patient was already using a vitamin K antagonist or direct oral anticoagulant prior to the procedure. During ablation of left sided VT, therapeutic anticoagulation is crucial and special considerations are needed depending on the LV access route. During LV endocardial ablations, full dose heparin is generally given once trans-septal access is achieved. An initial bolus of 100 U/kg followed by intermittent boluses or continuous infusion of heparin to main an ACT >300s is ideal (46). It is important to have a continuous flush of the side arm of the access (transeptal) sheath with heparinized saline.
Mapping strategies
Mapping during sinus rhythm: creating the substrate map
For patients with VTs that are difficult to induce or hemodynamically unstable, activation and entrainment mapping cannot be performed. Substrate-mapping strategies have a crucial role and are required for successful VT ablation. Most VT exit sites are in the periphery of the scar (i.e., borderzone), while the critical isthmus resides within the dense scar. In the endocardium, bipolar peak-to-peak voltage definitions are used to describe preserved tissue (>1.5 mV), borderzone tissue (0.5–1.5 mV) and dense scar (<0.5 mV) (47). The limitations of relying on bipolar peak-to-peak electrograms are that it can be affected by several biophysical determinants, including mapping bipole electrode geometry and orientation. Dichotomizing cardiac tissues into scar vs. healthy tissues based on single bipolar voltage cut offs can be misleading. Hence, ablation based on the geography of low bipolar voltage based scar is generally avoided (48, 49). Several authors have described that areas of relatively higher voltage can be within the scar. These areas correspond to surviving bundles of myocardial cells within the scar tissue, functioning as conducting channels. By applying a stepwise reduction in the definition of abnormal voltage from 0.5 to 0.1 mV, it was found that most conducting channels have voltage scar definitions of <0.2 mV (50, 51). By adjusting the bipolar voltage limits, these voltage channels can be identified in greater than 85% of patients with mappable ischemic VT (52). However, the specificity of these channels to predict the location of the VT isthmus is only 30%. In the presence of normal endocardial bipolar voltage, a low tissue unipolar voltage (<8.3 mV for LV and <5.5 mV for RV free wall) is considered a sensitive marker of myocardial disease in the intramural and epicardial tissues (53, 54). However, these strategies are unable to reliably identify whether this residual excitable substrate is in the epicardial or mid-myocardial layers. Recently, Qian and colleagues found that endocardial unipolar voltages were significantly higher in sites with deep intramural excitable substrates compared with transmural scars (55).
Fractionated electrograms are considered indicative of preserved myocardial fibers interspersed within a fibrous scar tissue. The heterogeneities in the cellular electric properties and local tissue architecture create regions of discontinuous slow conduction (56). Due to reduced intercellular coupling, irregularities in depolarization and propagation in adjacent cells become separated in time, causing distinct fractionated deflections in the local electrogram. Local Abnormal Ventricular Activities (LAVAs) refer to sharp high-frequency ventricular potentials occurring after far-field electrograms and display double or multiple high frequency signals (57). They are generated by poorly coupled viable fibers within the scar. Jais and colleagued coined this term to qualify multicomponent electrograms that can be buried in a broader far-field electrogram. Complete elimination of LAVA was associated with a superior survival free from recurrent VT during follow up (57).
Late potentials are characterized by low amplitude, usually fractionated signals, with a bipolar amplitude <1.5 mV. They are detected after the local ventricular electrogram and QRS. These late potentials originate from slow-conducting surviving bundles of myocardium in areas of fibrotic scar tissue (58). Isolated late potentials are defined as the second or subsequent electrograms that are separated from the initial ventricular electrogram by an isoelectric interval (isolated component >20 ms after the end of the QRS) or very late potentials (isolated component >100 ms after the end of the surface QRS) (59). Electrograms during sinus rhythm in the delayed isochrones of activation, especially in regions of deceleration (crowding of isoschrones of activation) have been shown to be in anatomic proximity to the critical isthmuses of VT circuits (60). Iscochronal late activation mapping utilizes this principle to help target ablation to crowded isochrones (defined as color-coded zones encompassing >40 ms per 10 cm). Ideally, ILAMs are displayed as eight equally distributed isochrones of activation, which represent 12.5% of the window of activation. The creation of isochronal display of sinus rhythm activation within scar allows for visualization of both slow conduction and late activated regions (61, 62).
However, some sites yielding late potentials during sinus rhythm can be bystander sites during VT, despite being areas of slow conduction. Late potential mapping can have a very low sensitivity and moderate specificity for VT channels, especially in patients with a large scar burden. The presence of multipotential electrograms, long stimulus-QRS intervals during pace mapping, and the presence of late potentials inside voltage channels can increase the specificity of late potentials (63). Hence it may be prudent to combine identification of both abnormal voltage areas and abnormal local electrogram characteristics as optimal targets of VT ablation.
Substrate-based mapping strategies that target only late potentials may miss critical arrhythmogenic substrates, especially in early activating regions such as the septum. A source-sink mismatch or fibrotic barrier between up and downstream elements can produce a functional block within the scar (64). One of the strategies to increase identification of late potentials is to decouple the abnormal ventricular potentials from far-field ventricular potentials by changing the activation wavefront through differential pacing (65). Changing the pacing wavefront can unmask LAVA that were not obvious during sinus rhythm. Utilizing these strategies, LAVAs can be targeted during substrate mapping and subsequent ablation. The dynamic responses to differential pacing can vary among patients depending on their electrophysiological differences in scar related conduction abnormalities. The Physio-VT mapping model utilizes different responses of individual intracardiac electrograms to RV and LV pacing vs. sinus rhythm to improve VT substrate resolution and mapping (62).
Reduced cell-to-cell coupling due to altered distribution of gap junction proteins can contribute to slowing or conduction block at faster rates. This regional heterogeneity can be unmasked by programmed ventricular extra-stimulus pacing. This kind of pacing can potentially identify late potentials within scar or at scar border zones that are likely to participate in the initiation and maintenance of VT. Decremental evoked potentials (DEEPs) mapping utilizes a specific S1–S2 protocol to deliver extrastimulus mapping from the right ventricle. DEEP mapping has been found to be more specific than late potential mapping for identifying critical targets with in the diastolic pathway of VT (66).
Another strategy described by Di Biase and colleagues is scar homogenization. This usually involves ablation of the entire scar, with particular focus on late fractionated signals in the scar tissue (67). In this strategy, the authors targeted all endocardial and epicardial signals persisting longer than 70 ms or displaying 4 or more deflections or an amplitude less than 1.5 mV. While this strategy may eliminate VT, there is concern if extensive ablation may result in worsening LV function post procedure. This approach may be useful in patients with small scars and relatively preserved ventricular function.
Current substrate-based ablation strategies emphasize the need for high density mapping to identify and target all multicomponent electrograms. High density multi-electrode mapping has brought about a paradigm shift in substrate characterization during VT ablation. Local electrogram voltages are dependent on the recording electrode size, inter-electrode spacing, and direction of wavefront propagation (68). The use of multi-electrode mapping catheters with small (1.0 mm) closely spaced electrodes resulted in a 22% smaller low voltage area (<1.5 mV) and a 47% reduction in dense scar size (<0.5 mV) in animal models (69, 70). Another advantage of these high-density catheters is that they minimize the effects of far-field signals and aid in the identification of heterogeneity within low-voltage scars. Higher mapping densities are associated with a better endocardial LAVA identification and ablation outcomes.
Pace-mapping within scar can identify slow conduction areas by a long-stimulus to QRS interval latencies (>40 ms), that can correlated with VT isthmus sites (71). However, operators need to remember that a long stimulus-QRS interval can also occur in bystander regions. de Chillou and colleagues elegantly described the identification of the critical isthmus of the VT circuit by pace-mapping (72). A good pace map obtained from a scar border region can suggest an approximate location of the VT exit. More importantly, a discrepancy in QRS morphology between VT and pace-map does not necessarily imply the site is located far from the VT circuit. An abrupt transition from an area of perfect pace-mapping to an area of poor match (such as the entrance site) can correspond with the VT isthmus. During pace mapping it is important to remember that multiple exits can arise from scar and functional block can occur during VT, that may not be present in sinus rhythm.
Mapping during ventricular tachycardia
Non-inducibility of the clinical tachycardia is a major limitation while attempting to map and ablate VT. Earlier reports indicate difficulty in induction of VT in approximately 25%–40% of patients of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (73). Using a systematic induction protocol along with the appropriate use of pharmacological agents resulted in a high induction rate of fascicular VT (74). In a subset of patients, sustained idiopathic left ventricular VT could only be induced by pacing from within the left ventricle. Isoproterenol enhances induction of sustained VT in up to 70% of patients without VT at baseline. In some patients, the administration of a low dose of a class 1A drug may enhance the slow conduction of specialized Purkinje fibers and facilitate induction of stable VTs. Nazer and colleagues found that an initial programmed electrical stimulation and entrainment mapping under conscious sedation was important for patients with NICM referred for epicardial ablation. In their series, empiric ablation of endocardial and epicardial scar would have missed the clinical VT in 20% of patients (75).
For those patients with inducible and hemodynamically tolerated VT, point by point activation mapping can be performed during VT focusing on the abnormal electrograms. Local electrograms that are activated during mid-diastole, especially those in the middle 25%–75% of diastole, should be targeted. Entrainment mapping remains one of the cornerstones of activation mapping strategies during stable VTs (76, 77). Local electrograms from the mapping catheter can exhibit a lot of artifacts during entrainment, making it difficult to interpret the electrograms. The use of adjacent electrodes can be a useful strategy when interpreting entrainment (78). In addition, using the N + 1 technique difference allows entrainment mapping to be used when the local electrogram from the pacing catheter has artefacts after high output pacing (79). Understanding the effect of variables such as pacing current strength, electrode size/spacing, filtering, and noise can help us avoid errors in interpretation during entrainment mapping.
Due to the incorporation of contact mapping technologies that utilize multielectrode acquisition, there is an improved understanding of activation within the myocardial wall during VT from a 3D perspective. Integration of epicardial and endocardial recordings during VT can be an useful strategy to infer about mid-myocardial activation (80). Tung and colleagues performed simultaneous endocardial and epicardial activation mapping and found that in activation patterns can occur on both myocardial surfaces (65). A 3D perspective of the VT circuit can enhance the precision of the ablative therapy and support a greater role for adjunctive strategies to address arrhythmias harbored in the mid-myocardium and subepicardium.
High density multipolar mapping systems allow for a collection of greater numbers of EGMs from smaller, more closely spaced electrodes during VT. Several animal and human studies have shown that one of the advantages of HD mapping is that far-field signals are significantly lessened by reducing the bipole spacing, improving near-field detection (81, 82). These HD catheters Advisor HD-Grid, Abbott, Abbott Park, Illinois; Optrell, Pentaray and Octaray, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, California; Orion, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA) can enhance mapping resolution in areas of low voltage and scar, enabling detection of areas of preserved myocardial fibers, and identification of diastolic electrograms during VT. Conventional catheters would likely classify these low voltage areas as dense scar. Mapping of the entire diastolic pathway, utilizing multielectrode mapping catheters, has been associated with a higher freedom from VT recurrence (83).
Strategies to improve ablation
Radiofrequency ablation as an effective therapy for VT is based on the principle of delivering solid and durable lesions. One of the major determinants of lesion formation is an adequate contact between the catheter tip and the myocardial surface. One of the major technological advancements was the development of sensors at the distal tip capable of monitoring contact, contact force (CF) (84, 85). During VT ablation, a median contact force of 10 g within the scar zone has been shown to have the best correlation with effective lesion formation (86, 87). Although there is also evidence that contact force sensing catheters may not change long-term outcomes, it is important that we continue to explore markers of ablation efficacy (88).
In a certain subset of patients, especially those with mid-myocardial substrates, there is a growing need to develop new strategies for deeper lesion formation. Alternatives such as half-normal saline and dextrose solution are able to create larger lesions compared to saline irrigation (89). Modulating impedance is another strategy to augment lesion size, by increasing radiofrequency current using similar power settings. Clinically this can be achieved by placing additional surface dispersive electrode patches. However, it is important to remember that increasing current density with low-ionic irrigants, lowered impedance, and high power settings has the potential to increase the risk of complications, including steam pops.
Utilizing two catheters for either simultaneous unipolar ablation or bipolar ablation can be used to achieve transmural lesions. Bipolar ablation uses two catheters connected to the radiofrequency generator (1 to the output terminal and 1 to the ground reference), placed on opposite surfaces of the myocardial tissues. This can also be achieved with simultaneous unipolar ablation with 2 catheters connected to separate radiofrequency generators. Observational case series have found these techniques to useful to terminate VT in patients who unsuccessful unipolar ablation of septal substrates (90) (Figure 3). Recently, another tool developed for deep lesion formation utilizes a catheter with an irrigated 27 gauge retractable needle-tipped electrode (91). This allows radiofrequency ablation to be delivered directly inside the myocardial wall, overcoming the issue of intramural lesion delivery. Remote magnetic navigation is an alternative to manual catheter control, and has shown to be a safe and feasible alternative (92).
Figure 3. Bipolar ablation for intramural substrate. A case of cardiac sarcoidosis with an intramural substrate. Bipolar ablation was delivered through an endocardial and epicardial catheter at the basal lateral wall. The distance between the tips of the ablation catheters was 10 mm. There was termination of the tachycardia during ablation.
Figure 4. Summary of approach to VT ablation in patients with and without structural heart disease.
Identification of the optimal endpoints for VT ablation is crucial to improve the success rate of this procedure. The response to programmed electric stimulation at the end of the procedure has been traditionally used to evaluate not only the acute success but also to predict the long term outcome. The guidelines endorse noninducibility of PES as an endpoint for VT ablation (93). However, several studies have not been able to show a direct association between VT non-inducibility and long-term arrhythmia-free survival. Many potential confounders might affect VT inducibility including periprocedural antiarrhythmic drug therapy, type of anaesthesia, and heterogenous PES protocols. Santangeli and colleagues compared RV stimulation with LV stimulation within the scar in a series of 156 patients undergoing catheter ablation of post-infraction VT. RV stimulation induced clinical VTs in 31% of cases whereas stimulation within the scar induced clinical VTs in close to 70% of patients (93). The authors hypothesized that some RBBB VTs are best induced with lateral LV stimulation. Noninvasive PES (NIPS) has been used in some centres a few days after catheter ablation to identify patients at increased risk of VT recurrence. Studies suggest that performing NIPS a few days after the procedure should be strongly considered as an endpoint for catheter ablation of scar related VT (94).
Regarding substrate-based ablation approaches, there is an increasing need for novel endpoints beyond non-inducibility to evaluate the completeness of linear lesions and the elimination of abnormal electrograms. Studies that have assessed the role of late potential ablation in scar related VT have adopted procedural endpoints ranging from complete elimination of late potentials to failure to capture with high output pacing. Berruezo and colleagues also used elimination of all conductive channels and found that this method resulted in a very high rate of VT-free survival during median follow up of 11 months (95). A box lesion set approach has also been utilized to eliminate all potentially arrhythmogenic areas within the scar.
Use of anticoagulation in the post-procedure period
There are limited data regarding the effectiveness and safety of post-ablation anticoagulation strategies after VT ablation. In the post op period, the benefits of anticoagulation need to be weighed against the risks of bleeding. Siontis and colleagues found that using a slowly escalating bridging regiment of UFH, followed by 3 months of oral anticoagulation is associated with low thromboembolic and bleeding risk after infract-related VT ablation (96). In the absence of extensive ablation, they found that antiplatelet therapy alone was a reasonable strategy. Recently, the STROKE-VT trial suggested that DOAC use following endocardial and/or epicardial ablation for left ventricular arrhythmia ablation was associated with a reduced risk of TIA or stroke (97). The risk of bleeding and thrombotic complications need to be considered and anticoagulation needs to be individualized.
Conclusion
Safety and efficacy of catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia has steadily improved. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of VT, advanced mapping systems as well as development of contact force sensing catheters have resulted in improved outcomes. Substrate modification strategies helps to safely and successfully ablate VTs in sick cohort of patients, as it eliminates the need for repeated induction of VT for mapping. Most importantly, utilizing a systematic approach to mapping and ablation of VT is crucial for management of these patients and improving overall clinical outcome.
Author contributions
All authors have contributed equally to the literature review, formulation, and revision of the manuscript. The initial draft was written by MS and ARA. All authors contributed to the article and approved the final version.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Keywords: catheter ablation, electro-anatomic mapping, ventricular tachycardia, improving VT ablation, substrate mapping
Citation: Subramanian M, Atreya AR, Saggu DK, Yalagudri S and Calambur N (2023) Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia: strategies to improve outcomes. Front. Cardiovasc. Med. 10:966634. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.966634
Received: 11 June 2022; Accepted: 24 April 2023;
Published: 14 August 2023.
Edited by:
Katja Zeppenfeld, Leiden University, NetherlandsReviewed by:
Tamas Szili-Torok, Erasmus Medical Center, NetherlandsAntonio Frontera, University of Milan, Italy
© 2023 Subramanian, Atreya, Saggu, Yalagudri, and Narasimhan. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Narasimhan Calambur calambur@hotmail.com
†These authors have contributed equally to this work