Case report and review about radiofrequency catheter ablation in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

The benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) on total mortality has been demonstrated in primary prevention for heart failure patients, in whom they improveclinical outcomes. However, some of these patients present incessant ventricular tachycardia and receive appropriated shocks and antitachycardia therapy. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is an efficacious method to prevent the occurrence of stable ventricular tachyarrythmias. We present here, the case of a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy implanted with an ICD in secondary prevention (ventricular tachycardia [VT]). The ICD delivered multiple appropriated shocks for monomorphic VT. A radiofrequency catheter ablation was successfully performed and the patient receives no further shock for the whole 18 months follow-up. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS.