Filippo M Cauti1, Pietro Rossi2, Stefano Bianchi2, Katia Bruno3, Luigi Iaia2, Chiara Rossi4, Francesco Pugliese3, Raffaele Quaglione5, Federico Venuta6, Marco Anile6. 1. Arrhythmology Unit, Ospedale San Giovanni Calibita, Fatebefratelli Isola Tiberina, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: filippocauti@hotmail.it. 2. Arrhythmology Unit, Ospedale San Giovanni Calibita, Fatebefratelli Isola Tiberina, Rome, Italy. 3. Department of Anesthesiology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. 4. Cardiology Unit, Aurelia Hospital, Rome, Italy. 5. Cardiology Unit, Dipartimento Cuore e Grossi Vasi, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. 6. Thoracic Unit, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the preliminary results of a modified sympathicotomy for cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD), which may reduce the predictive risk and intraoperative surgical time of the procedure. BACKGROUND: CSD, in patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT), is comprehensively recognized as an important treatment option for patients with structural heart disease as well as congenital inherited arrhythmia syndrome. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 5 patients with refractory VT. Baseline demographic, medical, and surgical data as well as arrhythmia outcomes and procedural complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 5 patients (mean age: 67.4 years) were enrolled for the treatment of refractory VT with a modified CSD technique. In 3 of 5 patients, an overall reduction in VT burden (ranging from 75% to 100%) and VT number was observed after the CSD despite an in-hospital early recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: A modified CSD (sympathicotomy T2-T5) with stellate ganglion sparing and the use of unipolar radiofrequency is feasible, effective, and safe in the setting of untreatable VT.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the preliminary results of a modified sympathicotomy for cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD), which may reduce the predictive risk and intraoperative surgical time of the procedure. BACKGROUND: CSD, in patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT), is comprehensively recognized as an important treatment option for patients with structural heart disease as well as congenital inherited arrhythmia syndrome. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 5 patients with refractory VT. Baseline demographic, medical, and surgical data as well as arrhythmia outcomes and procedural complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 5 patients (mean age: 67.4 years) were enrolled for the treatment of refractory VT with a modified CSD technique. In 3 of 5 patients, an overall reduction in VT burden (ranging from 75% to 100%) and VT number was observed after the CSD despite an in-hospital early recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: A modified CSD (sympathicotomy T2-T5) with stellate ganglion sparing and the use of unipolar radiofrequency is feasible, effective, and safe in the setting of untreatable VT.