Successful radiofrequency ablation therapy for intractable ventricular tachycardia with a ventricular assist device.

Refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be a potentially life-threatening rhythm in the presence of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, particularly when it results in hemodynamic compromise. A 65-year-old man with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy was referred for multiple episodes of VT. A HeartMate left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was implanted to stabilize and control the VT. However, he had multiple episodes of VT and the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias did not improve after LVAD implantation. He required electrical cardioversion to treat each episode. On Day 41 post-operatively, radiofrequency ablation was performed. Two significant areas of scarring were identified and were successfully ablated. After ablation, he did not have significant sustained VT episodes and was discharged.