New approaches to treatment of incessant ventricular tachycardia in the very young

Vicki L. Zeigler, Paul C. Gillette, Fred A. Crawford, Henry B. Wiles, Derek A. Fyfe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)681-685
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology
Volume16
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1990
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'New approaches to treatment of incessant ventricular tachycardia in the very young'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this