Catheter ablation for frequent premature ventricular contractions yields response rates of 60-88% and improves left ventricular ejection fraction in 47-100% of successful cases.
Does catheter ablation improve left ventricular function in patients with PVC-induced cardiomyopathy?
Frequent PVCs can cause left ventricular dysfunction, and catheter ablation is an effective therapy that can improve left ventricular ejection fraction.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There has been a resurgent interest in frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) led by the novel concept that they may be a potential cause of, or at least contribute to, cardiomyopathy. This review evaluates recent advances in our understanding of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have focused on identifying the predictors of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy, with the most consistent predictors being PVC burden and PVC QRS duration. Multiple studies have investigated the effect of catheter ablation on PVC burden and resultant left ventricular function, with the efficacy of catheter ablation and the overall PVC response rates varying between 60 and 88%. After successful ablation, the rates of improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction have varied between 47 and 100%. A recent study raises the question that perhaps even a lower PVC burden could result in PVC cardiomyopathy and adverse outcomes. SUMMARY: There is an increasing body of literature supporting a causal role of frequent PVCs in the development of left ventricular dysfunction. Effective therapy for PVCs exists; however, the optimal indications for therapy have yet to be determined.
Lee et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Premature ventricular contraction-induced cardiomyopathy. Catheter ablation was evaluated. Catheter ablation for frequent premature ventricular contractions yields response rates of 60-88% and improves left ventricular ejection fraction in 47-100% of successful cases.