Sympathetic denervation — a promising method for treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmia in children

Ventricular tachycardia is a rare but potentially life-threatening arrhythmia. Ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural pathology and cardiac channelopathies is associated with the highest risk of sudden cardiac death. The stratification of patients depending on the risk of developing a life-threatening arrhythmia determines the choice of treatment method. Left cardiac sympathetic denervation is a surgical method of treatment aimed at preventing attacks of ventricular tachycardia. The antiarrhythmic effect of sympathetic denervation has been proven in both experimental and clinical studies. Currently, the technique of left cardiac sympathetic denervation consists of a video-assisted sympathectomy by thoracoscopic access, which makes the procedure safe and effective. Left cardiac sympathectomy is used in the treatment of patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia despite adequate medical therapy. The authors recommend the use of left cardiac sympathectomy in those types of channelopathies, in which stress is the main proven provoking factor of ventricular tachycardia.