Pulsed field ablation: A promising approach for ventricular tachycardia ablation

Int J Cardiol. 2024 Mar 19:131985. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.131985. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been a central therapeutic strategy for ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, concerns about its long-term effectiveness and complications have arisen. Pulsed field ablation (PFA), characterized by its nonthermal, highly tissue-selective ablation technique, has emerged as a promising alternative. This comprehensive review delves into the potential advantages and opportunities presented by PFA in the realm of VT, drawing insights from both animal experimentation and clinical case studies. PFA shows promise in generating superior lesions within scarred myocardial tissue, and its inherent repetition dependency holds the potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Clinical cases underscore the promise of PFA for VT ablation. Despite its promising applications, challenges such as catheter maneuverability and proarrhythmic effects require further investigation. Large-scale, long-term studies are essential to establish the suitability of PFA for VT treatment.

Keywords: Cardiac arrhythmia; Irreversible electroporation (IRE); Nonthermal ablation; Pulse field ablation (PFA); Ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Publication types

  • Review