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{{SI}}
{{Ventricular tachycardia}}
{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-in Chief''': [[User:Avirupguha|Avirup Guha, M.B.B.S.]][mailto:avirup.guha@gmail.com]


{{CMG}}
==Treatment of [[ventricular tachycardia]]==
'"Associate Editor-in Chief:"'Avirup Guha, M.B.B.S.[mailto:avirup.guha@gmail.com]]
Therapy may be directed at either terminating an episode of the [[arrhythmia]] or for suppressing a future episode from occurring. The treatment is tailored to the specific patient, with regard to how well the individual tolerates episodes of ventricular tachycardia, how frequently episodes occur, their comorbidities, and their wishes.


{{EH}}
The details of the guidelines for treatment are explained better in the [[#vtach|guidelines]] section later in this article
 
==Treatment of [[ventricular tachycardia]]==
Therapy may be directed at either terminating an episode of the [[arrhythmia]] or for suppressing a future episode from occurring. The treatment is tailored to the specific patient, with regard to how well the individual tolerates episodes of ventricular tachycardia, how frequently episodes occur, their comorbidities, and their wishes. 


===Electrical Cardioversion / Defibrillation===
===Electrical Cardioversion / Defibrillation===
Line 17: Line 15:


===Antiarrhythmic drug therapy===
===Antiarrhythmic drug therapy===
Drugs such as [[amiodarone]], [[epinephrine]] and [[vasopressin]] may be used in addition to [defibrillation] to terminate VT while the underlying cause of the VT can be determined. Possible causes or contributing factors to VT can be remembered as the six H's and five T's: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hypo- or Hyperglycemia, Hypothermia; and Toxins, Tamponade (cardiac), Tension pneumothorax, Thrombosis, Trauma.   
Drugs such as [[amiodarone]], [[epinephrine]] and [[vasopressin]] may be used in addition to [[defibrillation]] to terminate VT while the underlying cause of the VT can be determined. Possible causes or contributing factors to VT can be remembered as the six H's and five T's: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hypo- or Hyperglycemia, Hypothermia; and Toxins, Tamponade (cardiac), Tension pneumothorax, Thrombosis, Trauma.   


Long term anti-arrhythmic therapy may be indicated to prevent recurrence of VT. [[Beta-blockers]] and a number of class III anti-arrhythmics are commonly used.   
Long term anti-arrhythmic therapy may be indicated to prevent recurrence of VT. [[Beta-blockers]] and a number of class III anti-arrhythmics are commonly used.   
Line 24: Line 22:


The implantation of an [[ICD]] is more effective than drug therapy for prevention of sudden cardiac death due to [[VT]] and [[VF]], but may be constrained by cost issues, and well as patient co-morbidities and patient preference.
The implantation of an [[ICD]] is more effective than drug therapy for prevention of sudden cardiac death due to [[VT]] and [[VF]], but may be constrained by cost issues, and well as patient co-morbidities and patient preference.
==Guidelines in Ventricular Tachycardia Treatment<ref name="pmid16935995">{{cite journal| author=Zipes DP, Camm AJ, Borggrefe M, Buxton AE, Chaitman B, Fromer M et al.| title=ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines (writing committee to develop Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death): developed in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association and the Heart Rhythm Society. | journal=Circulation | year= 2006 | volume= 114 | issue= 10 | pages= e385-484 | pmid=16935995 | doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.178233 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16935995  }} </ref>==
===Recommendations in Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia===
{{cquote|
====[[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Classification of Recommendations|Class I]]====
'''1.''' Ablation is indicated in patients who are otherwise at low risk for [[Sudden Cardiac Death]](SCD) and have sustained predominantly [[monomorphic ventricular tachycardia]] that is drug resistant, who are drug intolerant, or who do not wish long-term drug therapy.''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
'''2.''' Ablation is indicated in patients with [[Bundle branch reentrant ventricular tachycardia]].''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
'''3.''' Ablation is indicated as adjunctive therapy in patients with an [[Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator]](ICD) who are receiving multiple shocks as a result of [[Sustained VT]] that is not manageable by reprogramming or changing drug therapy or who do not wish long-term drug therapy. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<ref name="pmid2856866">{{cite journal| author=Bhandari AK, Shapiro WA, Morady F, Shen EN, Mason J, Scheinman MM| title=Electrophysiologic testing in patients with the long QT syndrome. | journal=Circulation | year= 1985 | volume= 71 | issue= 1 | pages= 63-71 | pmid=2856866 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref><ref name="pmid15271018">{{cite journal| author=Silva RM, Mont L, Nava S, Rojel U, Matas M, Brugada J| title=Radiofrequency catheter ablation for arrhythmic storm in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. | journal=Pacing Clin Electrophysiol | year= 2004 | volume= 27 | issue= 7 | pages= 971-5 | pmid=15271018 | doi=10.1111/j.1540-8159.2004.00567.x | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15271018  }} </ref>
'''4.''' Ablation is indicated in patients with [[WPW syndrome]] resuscitated from [[sudden cardiac arrest]] due to [[AF]] and rapid conduction over the accessory pathway causing [[VF]]. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])'')<ref name="pmid14602878">{{cite journal| author=Pappone C, Santinelli V, Manguso F, Augello G, Santinelli O, Vicedomini G et al.| title=A randomized study of prophylactic catheter ablation in asymptomatic patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. | journal=N Engl J Med | year= 2003 | volume= 349 | issue= 19 | pages= 1803-11 | pmid=14602878 | doi=10.1056/NEJMoa035345 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14602878  }} </ref>
====[[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Classification of Recommendations|Class IIa]]====
'''1.''' Ablation can be useful therapy in patients who are otherwise at low risk for [[SCD]] and have symptomatic [[nonsustained monomorphic VT]] that is drug resistant, who are drug intolerant or who do not wish long-term drug therapy.''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
'''2.''' Ablation can be useful therapy in patients who are otherwise at low risk for [[SCD]] and have frequent symptomatic predominantly [[monomorphic PVCs]] that are drug resistant or who are drug intolerant or who do not wish long-term drug therapy.''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
'''3.''' Ablation can be useful in symptomatic patients with [[WPW syndrome]] who have [[accessory pathways]] with refractory periods less than 240 ms in duration. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''<ref name="pmid14602878">{{cite journal| author=Pappone C, Santinelli V, Manguso F, Augello G, Santinelli O, Vicedomini G et al.| title=A randomized study of prophylactic catheter ablation in asymptomatic patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. | journal=N Engl J Med | year= 2003 | volume= 349 | issue= 19 | pages= 1803-11 | pmid=14602878 | doi=10.1056/NEJMoa035345 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=14602878  }} </ref>
====[[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Classification of Recommendations|Class IIb]]====
'''1.''' Ablation of [[Purkinje fiber]] potentials may be considered in patients with [[ventricular arrhythmia]] storm consistently provoked by [[PVCs]] of similar morphology. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<ref name="pmid12186801">{{cite journal| author=Haïssaguerre M, Shoda M, Jaïs P, Nogami A, Shah DC, Kautzner J et al.| title=Mapping and ablation of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. | journal=Circulation | year= 2002 | volume= 106 | issue= 8 | pages= 962-7 | pmid=12186801 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref>
'''2.''' Ablation of asymptomatic [[PVCs]] may be considered when the PVCs are very frequent to avoid or treat [[cardiomyopathy|tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy]]. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''<ref name="pmid15837259">{{cite journal| author=Takemoto M, Yoshimura H, Ohba Y, Matsumoto Y, Yamamoto U, Mohri M et al.| title=Radiofrequency catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes from right ventricular outflow tract improves left ventricular dilation and clinical status in patients without structural heart disease. | journal=J Am Coll Cardiol | year= 2005 | volume= 45 | issue= 8 | pages= 1259-65 | pmid=15837259 | doi=10.1016/j.jacc.2004.12.073 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=15837259  }} </ref>
====[[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Classification of Recommendations|Class III]]====
Ablation of asymptomatic relatively infrequent [[PVCs]] is not indicated. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''}}
===Recommendations for Acute Management Of Ventricular Tachycardia(and other arrhythmias)===
<span id="vtach"></span>
{{cquote|
===2005 Guidelines<ref name="pmid16935995">{{cite journal| author=Zipes DP, Camm AJ, Borggrefe M, Buxton AE, Chaitman B, Fromer M et al.| title=ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines (writing committee to develop Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death): developed in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association and the Heart Rhythm Society. | journal=Circulation | year= 2006 | volume= 114 | issue= 10 | pages= e385-484 | pmid=16935995 | doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.178233 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16935995  }} </ref>===
====[[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Classification of Recommendations|Class I]]====
'''1.''' After establishing the presence of definite, suspected, or impending [[cardiac arrest]], the first priority should be activation of a response team capable of identifying the specific mechanism and carrying out prompt intervention. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''
'''2.''' [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] (CPR) should be implemented immediately after contacting a response team. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: A]])''
'''3.''' In an out-of-hospital setting, if an [[Automated external defibrillator|AED]] is available, it should be applied immediately and shock therapy administered according to the algorithms contained in the documents on CPR<ref name="pmid16314375">{{cite journal| author=ECC Committee, Subcommittees and Task Forces of the American Heart Association| title=2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. | journal=Circulation | year= 2005 | volume= 112 | issue= 24 Suppl | pages= IV1-203 | pmid=16314375 | doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166550 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16314375  }} </ref><ref name="pmid16321716">{{cite journal| author=Nolan JP, Deakin CD, Soar J, Böttiger BW, Smith G, European Resuscitation Council| title=European Resuscitation Council guidelines for resuscitation 2005. Section 4. Adult advanced life support. | journal=Resuscitation | year= 2005 | volume= 67 Suppl 1 | issue=  | pages= S39-86 | pmid=16321716 | doi=10.1016/j.resuscitation.2005.10.009 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16321716  }} </ref> developed by the AHA in association with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and/or the European Resuscitation Council (ERC). ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
'''4.''' For victims with ventricular tachyarrhythmic mechanisms of [[cardiac arrest]], when recurrences occur after a maximally defibrillating shock (generally 360 J for monophasic defibrillators), intravenous [[amiodarone]] should be the preferred [[antiarrhythmic]] drug for attempting a stable rhythm after further defibrillations. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''
'''5.''' For recurrent [[ventricular tachyarrhythmias]] or nontachyarrhythmic mechanisms of [[cardiac arrest]], it is recommended to follow the algorithms contained in the documents on CPR<ref name="pmid16314375">{{cite journal| author=ECC Committee, Subcommittees and Task Forces of the American Heart Association| title=2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. | journal=Circulation | year= 2005 | volume= 112 | issue= 24 Suppl | pages= IV1-203 | pmid=16314375 | doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166550 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16314375  }} </ref><ref name="pmid16321716">{{cite journal| author=Nolan JP, Deakin CD, Soar J, Böttiger BW, Smith G, European Resuscitation Council| title=European Resuscitation Council guidelines for resuscitation 2005. Section 4. Adult advanced life support. | journal=Resuscitation | year= 2005 | volume= 67 Suppl 1 | issue=  | pages= S39-86 | pmid=16321716 | doi=10.1016/j.resuscitation.2005.10.009 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16321716  }} </ref> developed by the AHA in association with ILCOR and/or the ERC. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
'''6.''' Reversible causes and factors contributing to [[cardiac arrest]] should be managed during advanced life support, including management of [[hypoxia]], [[Electrolyte disturbance|electrolyte disturbances]], mechanical factors, and [[volume depletion]]. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
====[[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Classification of Recommendations|Class IIa]]====
For response times greater than or equal to 5 min, a brief (less than 90 to 180 s) period of CPR is reasonable prior to attempting [[defibrillation]]. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''
====[[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Classification of Recommendations|Class IIb]]====
A single [[precordial thump]] may be considered by health care professional providers when responding to a witnessed [[cardiac arrest]]. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
===2010 Guidelines(from the section on cardioversion and wide complex tachycardia only - incomplete and will be made better once the new guidelines after 2006 are released)<ref name="pmid20956224">{{cite journal| author=Neumar RW, Otto CW, Link MS, Kronick SL, Shuster M, Callaway CW et al.| title=Part 8: adult advanced cardiovascular life support: 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. | journal=Circulation | year= 2010 | volume= 122 | issue= 18 Suppl 3 | pages= S729-67 | pmid=20956224 | doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.970988 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=20956224  }} </ref>===
====[[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Classification of Recommendations|Class IIa]]====
'''1.'''[[Cardioversion]] with monophasic waveforms should begin at 200 J and increase in stepwise fashion if not successful. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''
'''2.'''If the etiology of the rhythm cannot be determined, the rate is regular, and the QRS is monomorphic, recent evidence suggests that IV [[adenosine]] is relatively safe for both treatment and diagnosis.<ref name="pmid8091765">{{cite journal| author=Staudinger T, Brugger S, Röggla M, Rintelen C, Atherton GL, Johnson JC et al.| title=[Comparison of the Combitube with the endotracheal tube in cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the prehospital phase]. | journal=Wien Klin Wochenschr | year= 1994 | volume= 106 | issue= 13 | pages= 412-5 | pmid=8091765 | doi= | pmc= | url= }} </ref> ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''
'''3.'''If IV [[antiarrhythmics]] are administered, [[procainamide]] can be considered. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''
'''4.'''If [[antiarrhythmic]] therapy is unsuccessful, [[cardioversion]] or expert consultation should be considered. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
====[[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Classification of Recommendations|Class IIb]]====
'''1.'''[[Ventricular tachycardia|Monomorphic VT]] with a pulse responds well to monophasic or biphasic waveform [[cardioversion]](synchronized) shocks at initial energies of 100 J. If there is no response to the first shock, it may be reasonable to increase the dose in a stepwise fashion. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
'''2.'''[[Precordial thump]] may be considered for patients with witnessed, monitored, unstable [[ventricular tachycardia]] if a [[defibrillator]] is not immediately ready for use. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
'''3.'''If IV [[antiarrhythmics]] are administered, [[amiodarone]] or [[sotalol]] can be considered. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''
====[[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Classification of Recommendations|Class III]]====
'''1.'''[[Adenosine]] should not be given for unstable or for irregular or [[Ventricular tachycardia including torsades de pointes and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia|polymorphic ventricular tachycardias]], as it may cause degeneration of the arrhythmia to [[VF]]. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: C]])''
'''2.'''[[Verapamil]] is contraindicated for [[wide-complex tachycardias]] unless known to be of supraventricular origin. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''
'''3.'''If one of these [[antiarrhythmic]] agents is given, a second agent should not be given without expert consultation. ''([[ACC AHA guidelines classification scheme#Level of Evidence|Level of Evidence: B]])''}}
===Recommendation for Specific Kinds of Ventricular Arrhythmias===
[[Category : Electrophysiology]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


[[Category: Cardiology]]
[[Category: Electrophysiology]]


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{{WS}}
{{WH}}
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Latest revision as of 04:18, 16 October 2011

Ventricular tachycardia Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Ventricular Tachycardia from other Disorders

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

Chest X Ray

Echocardiography

Cardiac MRI

Other Diagnostic Tests

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Electrical Cardioversion

Ablation

Surgery

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-in Chief: Avirup Guha, M.B.B.S.[2]

Treatment of ventricular tachycardia

Therapy may be directed at either terminating an episode of the arrhythmia or for suppressing a future episode from occurring. The treatment is tailored to the specific patient, with regard to how well the individual tolerates episodes of ventricular tachycardia, how frequently episodes occur, their comorbidities, and their wishes.

The details of the guidelines for treatment are explained better in the guidelines section later in this article

Electrical Cardioversion / Defibrillation

It is usually possible to terminate a VT episode with a direct current shock across the heart. This is ideally synchronised to the patient's heartbeat. As it is quite uncomfortable, shocks should be delivered only to an unconscious or sedated patient. A patient with pulseless VT will be unconscious and treated as an emergency on a cardiac arrest protocol. Elective cardioversion is usually performed in controlled circumstances with anaesthetic and airway support.

The shock may be delivered to the outside of the chest using an external defibrillator, or internally to the heart by an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) if one has previously been inserted.

An ICD may also be set to attempt to overdrive pace the ventricle. Pacing the ventricle at a rate faster than the underlying tachycardia can sometimes be effective in terminating the rhythm. If this fails after a short trial, the ICD will usually stop pacing, charge up and deliver a defibrillation grade shock.

Antiarrhythmic drug therapy

Drugs such as amiodarone, epinephrine and vasopressin may be used in addition to defibrillation to terminate VT while the underlying cause of the VT can be determined. Possible causes or contributing factors to VT can be remembered as the six H's and five T's: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hypo- or Hyperglycemia, Hypothermia; and Toxins, Tamponade (cardiac), Tension pneumothorax, Thrombosis, Trauma.

Long term anti-arrhythmic therapy may be indicated to prevent recurrence of VT. Beta-blockers and a number of class III anti-arrhythmics are commonly used.

For some of the rare congenital syndromes of VT, other drugs, and sometimes even catheter ablation therapy may be useful.

The implantation of an ICD is more effective than drug therapy for prevention of sudden cardiac death due to VT and VF, but may be constrained by cost issues, and well as patient co-morbidities and patient preference.

Guidelines in Ventricular Tachycardia Treatment[1]

Recommendations in Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia

Class I

1. Ablation is indicated in patients who are otherwise at low risk for Sudden Cardiac Death(SCD) and have sustained predominantly monomorphic ventricular tachycardia that is drug resistant, who are drug intolerant, or who do not wish long-term drug therapy.(Level of Evidence: C)

2. Ablation is indicated in patients with Bundle branch reentrant ventricular tachycardia.(Level of Evidence: C)

3. Ablation is indicated as adjunctive therapy in patients with an Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator(ICD) who are receiving multiple shocks as a result of Sustained VT that is not manageable by reprogramming or changing drug therapy or who do not wish long-term drug therapy. (Level of Evidence: C)[2][3]

4. Ablation is indicated in patients with WPW syndrome resuscitated from sudden cardiac arrest due to AF and rapid conduction over the accessory pathway causing VF. (Level of Evidence: B))[4]

Class IIa

1. Ablation can be useful therapy in patients who are otherwise at low risk for SCD and have symptomatic nonsustained monomorphic VT that is drug resistant, who are drug intolerant or who do not wish long-term drug therapy.(Level of Evidence: C)

2. Ablation can be useful therapy in patients who are otherwise at low risk for SCD and have frequent symptomatic predominantly monomorphic PVCs that are drug resistant or who are drug intolerant or who do not wish long-term drug therapy.(Level of Evidence: C)

3. Ablation can be useful in symptomatic patients with WPW syndrome who have accessory pathways with refractory periods less than 240 ms in duration. (Level of Evidence: B)[4]

Class IIb

1. Ablation of Purkinje fiber potentials may be considered in patients with ventricular arrhythmia storm consistently provoked by PVCs of similar morphology. (Level of Evidence: C)[5]

2. Ablation of asymptomatic PVCs may be considered when the PVCs are very frequent to avoid or treat tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. (Level of Evidence: C)[6]

Class III

Ablation of asymptomatic relatively infrequent PVCs is not indicated. (Level of Evidence: C)

Recommendations for Acute Management Of Ventricular Tachycardia(and other arrhythmias)

2005 Guidelines[1]

Class I

1. After establishing the presence of definite, suspected, or impending cardiac arrest, the first priority should be activation of a response team capable of identifying the specific mechanism and carrying out prompt intervention. (Level of Evidence: B)

2. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be implemented immediately after contacting a response team. (Level of Evidence: A)

3. In an out-of-hospital setting, if an AED is available, it should be applied immediately and shock therapy administered according to the algorithms contained in the documents on CPR[7][8] developed by the AHA in association with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and/or the European Resuscitation Council (ERC). (Level of Evidence: C)

4. For victims with ventricular tachyarrhythmic mechanisms of cardiac arrest, when recurrences occur after a maximally defibrillating shock (generally 360 J for monophasic defibrillators), intravenous amiodarone should be the preferred antiarrhythmic drug for attempting a stable rhythm after further defibrillations. (Level of Evidence: B)

5. For recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias or nontachyarrhythmic mechanisms of cardiac arrest, it is recommended to follow the algorithms contained in the documents on CPR[7][8] developed by the AHA in association with ILCOR and/or the ERC. (Level of Evidence: C)

6. Reversible causes and factors contributing to cardiac arrest should be managed during advanced life support, including management of hypoxia, electrolyte disturbances, mechanical factors, and volume depletion. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIa

For response times greater than or equal to 5 min, a brief (less than 90 to 180 s) period of CPR is reasonable prior to attempting defibrillation. (Level of Evidence: B)

Class IIb

A single precordial thump may be considered by health care professional providers when responding to a witnessed cardiac arrest. (Level of Evidence: C)

2010 Guidelines(from the section on cardioversion and wide complex tachycardia only - incomplete and will be made better once the new guidelines after 2006 are released)[9]

Class IIa

1.Cardioversion with monophasic waveforms should begin at 200 J and increase in stepwise fashion if not successful. (Level of Evidence: B)

2.If the etiology of the rhythm cannot be determined, the rate is regular, and the QRS is monomorphic, recent evidence suggests that IV adenosine is relatively safe for both treatment and diagnosis.[10] (Level of Evidence: B)

3.If IV antiarrhythmics are administered, procainamide can be considered. (Level of Evidence: B)

4.If antiarrhythmic therapy is unsuccessful, cardioversion or expert consultation should be considered. (Level of Evidence: C)

Class IIb

1.Monomorphic VT with a pulse responds well to monophasic or biphasic waveform cardioversion(synchronized) shocks at initial energies of 100 J. If there is no response to the first shock, it may be reasonable to increase the dose in a stepwise fashion. (Level of Evidence: C)

2.Precordial thump may be considered for patients with witnessed, monitored, unstable ventricular tachycardia if a defibrillator is not immediately ready for use. (Level of Evidence: C)

3.If IV antiarrhythmics are administered, amiodarone or sotalol can be considered. (Level of Evidence: B)

Class III

1.Adenosine should not be given for unstable or for irregular or polymorphic ventricular tachycardias, as it may cause degeneration of the arrhythmia to VF. (Level of Evidence: C)

2.Verapamil is contraindicated for wide-complex tachycardias unless known to be of supraventricular origin. (Level of Evidence: B)

3.If one of these antiarrhythmic agents is given, a second agent should not be given without expert consultation. (Level of Evidence: B)

Recommendation for Specific Kinds of Ventricular Arrhythmias

References

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