Title: Percutaneous (non-thoracoscopic) epicardial catheter radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachycardia
Source: NICE
The Skinny: In percutaneous (non-thoracoscopic) epicardial catheter radiofrequency ablation selected areas of the heart are destroyed using heat, with the aim of preventing the occurrence or conduction of abnormal electrical activity. The procedure is done through a special catheter which is inserted into the lower chest area and guided to the outside of the heart. Ventricular tachycardia is a condition that affects the heart, causing an irregular pulse. It occurs when the electrical impulses controlling the heartbeat become disorganised, so that the heart beats too fast. When this happens, the heart cannot efficiently pump blood around the body. This may cause symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting. Ventricular tachycardia increases the risk of cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating). This is full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on percutaneous (non-thoracoscopic) epicardial catheter radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachycardia.
Documents:
- IPG295 Percutaneous (non-thoracoscopic) epicardial catheter radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachycardia: guidance (2p, 91 Kb)
- IPG295 Percutaneous (non-thoracoscopic) epicardial catheter radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachycardia: understanding NICE guidance (4p, 50.29 Kb)
- IPG295 Percutaneous (non-thoracoscopic) epicardial catheter radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachycardia: understanding NICE guidance (MS Word format) (4p, 406.5 Kb)
- Interventional procedures consultation document for percutaneous (non-thoracoscopic) epicardial catheter radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachycardia (web page)
- Overview of percutaneous (non-thoracoscopic) epicardial catheter radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachycardia (22p, 173.28 Kb)
Date of publication: March 2009
Publication type: Guidance
Acknowledgement: http://www.nice.org.uk
