Imaging -aided VT ablation. Long term Results from a Pilot Study
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background VT ablation has become a cornerstone of patients
care, especially for post MI VT. Several strategies have proven
effective for achieving rhythm control in this population, but the
workflow is highly variable and depends on physician experience.
Aim This study describes the initial systematic experience of
ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation targeting wall thickness
heterogeneity on cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanner used as
surrogate for mapped VT isthmii. Methods Consecutive patients
with post MI VT, a CT scan and a first VT ablation were included from
January 2017 to May 2022. Targets were identified based on wall
thickness heterogeneity. After image integration, ablation with
>10 grams, 40-50 W was performed with the aim of blocking the
CT channels/ render them non capturable. Only then inducibility was
tested. Inducible VT, if any, were conventionally mapped and ablated
with the aim of reaching non-inducibility. Results Thirty-nine
patients (97.4% male, age: mean LVEF 35 ± 10%) were included. The mean
number of identified CT Channels was 3.6 ± 1.8 / patient.
Non-inducibility was achieved in 19 (48.7%) of patients after initial
imaging guided ablation while at least one VT could be induced in 19
(48.7 %). Among these patients, 4 had VT related to unblocked or
reconnected CT – determined VT channels, and 15 from other areas
(border zone), typically with faster cycle length . After further
mapping and ablation, 3 (7.7 %) patients remained inducible. Mean
radiofrequency time was 35 ± 19 min for CT Channels ablation, with an
additional 11 ± 8 min for supplementary ablation (global mean RF time 35
± 19 min). With a mean follow-up of 47.8 ± 24.3 months, 61,9% (95% CI
44.0-75.5%) remained VT free. Conclusion CT-guided ablation
represents a feasible and safe strategy for VT ablation in patients with
an ischemic cardiomyopathy. Keywords: Ventricular tachycardia,
catheter ablation, CT-Scan, InHeart software, imaging