Ventricular tachycardia ablation
Specialist catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) and frequent ventricular ectopic beats.
Urgent help: Call 999 or go to A&E if palpitations do not go away, or if you also have chest pain, shortness of breath, or feel faint or have fainted.
About ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a fast heart rhythm that starts in the heart’s lower pumping chambers (the ventricles). It is often linked to scarring from a previous heart attack or a heart muscle condition, but it can also happen in an otherwise normal heart. VT can cause palpitations, dizziness, breathlessness or blackouts, and in a damaged heart it can be life-threatening. Frequent extra beats from the ventricles (ventricular ectopics) can cause similar symptoms.
Is it right for me?
Ablation may be recommended if VT keeps coming back despite medicines, if medicines cause side effects, or to reduce shocks from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). An ICD can stop a dangerous rhythm once it starts; ablation aims to stop it from starting.
What to expect
- Thin catheters are passed through blood vessels at the top of the leg, and a detailed 3D map of the heart’s electrical activity is used to find and treat the areas causing VT.
- Occasionally the outside surface of the heart needs to be reached through a small puncture just below the ribs. This would be discussed with you beforehand.
- The procedure usually takes three to four hours, under a general anaesthetic or under local anaesthetic with sedation. You will be monitored on the ward and can go home once it is safe to do so.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 7 to 10 days.
Risks
Bruising at the top of the leg and chest soreness are common. Serious complications, such as bleeding around the heart or stroke, are uncommon. We will explain the risks and likely benefits for you personally before you decide.
Why choose Cambridge Cardiac
You will be under the care of Dr Claire Martin, an expert in ventricular tachycardia and its treatment by ablation.
Claire has been treating ventricular tachycardia and other heart rhythm problems as a consultant at Royal Papworth Hospital since 2018, and holds a National Clinical Impact Award (2023) recognising her contribution to NHS patient care.
- She has helped develop the techniques used in this highly specialised procedure, with world firsts in VT mapping (2018) and in pulsed field ablation for VT (2023).
- She leads UK research into new VT treatments, as UK lead for the international SPHERE-VT study.
Next steps
- Contact us to arrange a consultation. If you have private health insurance, we will guide you through getting your insurer’s approval, and we can tell you about fees if you are paying for yourself.
- Consultations take place at Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge Heart Clinic and Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital in Cambridge, and The Harley Street Clinic in London (see locations).
Further information
- Royal Papworth Hospital: Ablation procedures, patient guide PI 127 (PDF)
- NHS: Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia)
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation.