Mapping and ablation of ventricular tachycardia in children and adolescents.

Ventricular tachycardia is a rare arrhythmia in the pediatric population that occurs in structurally normal and abnormal hearts. The treatment of ventricular tachycardia is aimed at reducing symptoms and the risk of sudden death. The intracardiac electrophysiology study and radiofrequency ablation have come to the forefront of diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with ventricular arrhythmias. The indications for radiofrequency ablation are debated, but it has been shown to be an effective and safe means of eliminating ventricular tachycardia. The purpose of this review is to outline the mechanisms and electrophysiologic characteristics of ventricular tachycardia, discuss the forms common to the pediatric population and summarize the indications, success and complications of radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachycardia.