Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC) and Ventricular Tachycardia ( VT) Ablation

What are the goals of the procedure and what is the success rate?

PVC and VT ablation typically have an average 70% success rate. These rates can be  higher based upon the substrate. Your provider will discuss this in more detail with you.

What are the risks?

5% risk of major complication(s). Your provider will discuss this in more detail with you.

Why should I have this procedure with South Denver Cardiology?

Dr. Sri Sundaram, Dr. William Choe, Dr. Nicholas Palmeri, and Dr. Daniel Alyesh, do this procedure. Dr. Alyesh has done more of this type of ablation than most doctors in the state of Colorado.  His safety profile exceeds national averages, and he regularly presents at National Meetings on novel ablation techniques in this space.

What happens during the procedure?

Your provider places a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin and threads it up to the heart giving access to the inside of the heart. A catheter is used to map out the area(s) where the PVC or VT is coming from. A catheter is used to burn (radiofrequency energy) small areas in the heart where the PVC or VT originates. These areas remove the pathologic tissue disrupting the mechanism of the abnormal heart rhythm. Over time, these lesions mature improving the overall conduction of the heart.

Where is it done?

AdventHealth Porter Hospital or Swedish Medical Center

How long does it take?

3-6 hours

What type of anesthesia is used?

General anesthesia or MAC (monitored anesthesia care)

What happens right after the procedure?

You will stay in recovery for a few hours and will likely stay one day in the hospital for observation.

How will I feel after the procedure?  What is my expected recovery course?

You may feel fatigued from the anesthesia, have soreness in your groin region, mild chest discomfort while lying flat or with inhalation, and palpitations. Typically, normal activity can be resumed 1 week after the ablation. You can return to a sedentary job in a few days.  If you have a physically active job, you should take 1 week off work. You may ease back into exercise in two weeks. Results are determined after 3 months.

If you have had a PVC ablation, you will likely be on a true blood thinner for one week and be on Aspirin 81 mg for 1-3 months, depending on MD recommendations.