Ventricular fibrillation ablation in cardiomyopathies and arrhythmic storm.

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a relevant contributor to cardiovascular mortality, often occurring as a dramatic event. It can be the consequence of a ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF), a common and life-threatening arrhythmia. The underlying mechanisms of this catastrophic arrhythmia are poorly known. In fact, it can occur in the presence of a structural heart condition which itself generates the suitable substrate for this arrhythmia. Nevertheless, a VF may cause SCD also in young and otherwise healthy individuals, without overt structural abnormalities, generating difficulties in the screening and prevention of these patients. The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator represents the only therapy to contrast SCD by treating a VT/VF; however, it cannot prevent the occurrence of such arrhythmias. Catheter ablation is emerging as an essential therapeutic tool in the management of patients experiencing ventricular arrhythmias.