Abstract
It was assumed that the availability of new antiarrhythmic drugs and new surgical techniques might allow medical or nonexcisional surgical treatment in many young children with incessant ventricular tachycardia. Fourteen infants and young children <5 years of age were evaluated and treated for incessant ventricular tachycardia. Medical treatment was pursued up to the use of amiodarone with a type Ib or Ic antiarrhythmic drug unless the patient became hemodynamically unstable. Patients underwent surgery when these drug regimens failed or when moderate congestive heart failure was present. Seven patients were successfully treated medically and seven underwent surgical treatment. Of those treated surgically, five had cryothermic lesions and two had excisions. Five of the surgically patients required temporary additional medical treatment. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 53 months (mean 28). Eleven of the 14 patients are currently not taking any antiarrhythmic medication. No patient required a pacemaker, none received anticongestive medications and none died.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 681-685 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of the American College of Cardiology |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1990 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine