Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a severe arrhythmia affecting many individuals annually. Cardiac electrophysiologists often use VT ablation to target abnormal heart scarring, typically using radiofrequency ablation on the heart’s inner surface. In complex cases, epicardial ablation on the heart’s outer surface becomes necessary, though it involves careful planning and higher complication risks.
Dr. Neel Patel from WakeMed Heart & Vascular – Complex Arrhythmia recently executed a combined endocardial/epicardial VT ablation on a patient with refractory VT using an innovative approach. Dr. Patel utilized carbon dioxide to create separation between the heart’s outer surface and the pericardium to facilitate safer access to the epicardial space for the procedure. This specialized technique is performed at select centers globally and demands significant expertise, training, and judgment.
WakeMed is among the first regional health systems to offer this Epicardial VT ablation with CO2 insufflation procedure. It marks progress in cardiac electrophysiology and VT ablation, providing significant benefits to patients suffering from this life-threatening condition.
