Key result
Bilateral robotic sympathectomy eliminates recurrent VT and ICD shocks at 6 months in high-risk patient.
Why the study?
Recurrent ventricular tachycardia in patients with complex cardiovascular history can be challenging to manage despite maximal medical therapy and temporary interventions.
Does robotic-assisted bilateral sympathectomy prevent recurrent ventricular tachycardia and ICD shocks in high-risk patients with complex cardiovascular history?
Case Report (n=1)
Does robotic-assisted bilateral sympathectomy prevent recurrent ventricular tachycardia and ICD shocks in high-risk patients with complex cardiovascular history?
Robotic-assisted bilateral sympathectomy is a safe, feasible, and effective approach for definitive suppression of refractory ventricular tachycardia in appropriately selected high-risk patients with hostile thoracic anatomy and complex surgical histories.
A 76-year-old female with complex cardiovascular history requiring multiple open and transcatheter interventions presented with recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) and multiple implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks. Her VT persisted despite maximal medical therapy. She underwent two left stellate ganglion blocks, which provided temporary VT suppression. She was found to have significant cardiomegaly and a large chronic descending aortic dissection on pre-operative workup, which did not require acute intervention. Given her persistent symptoms, she underwent bilateral robotic sympathectomy. She tolerated the procedure without complication and remained without ICD shocks at her 6-month clinic visit.
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Tumminello et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Recurrent ventricular tachycardia (n=1). Bilateral robotic sympathectomy was evaluated on Freedom from recurrent ventricular tachycardia and ICD shocks. Bilateral robotic sympathectomy successfully eliminated recurrent ventricular tachycardia and ICD shocks at 6-month follow-up in a high-risk patient.
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