Radiofrequency catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes from right ventricular outflow tract in patients with left ventricular dilation and/or dysfunction

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction caused by frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) can be reversed by suppression of PVCs with antiarrhythmic agents or radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA). However, there is a paucity of data on the efficacy and safety of RFA among the local population. We aimed in this study to evaluate the effect of RFA of frequent PVCs originating from right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT-PVCs) on cardiac function in patients with depressed cardiac function and/or LV dilation. The study included sixteen patients with monomorphic RVOT-PVCs without overt underlying structural heart disease. Frequency of PVCs by 24-h Holter monitoring, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), end-systolic diameter (LVESD), mitral regurgitation (MR) by echocardiogram and NYHA functional class were evaluated before and 3 and 6 months after RFA. All patients underwent RFA.ResultsThe higher the number of PVCs/24 h, the bigger the LVESD and the lower the EF. Procedural success was achieved in 13 (81%) of the patients with no complications. Six months follow-up after successful ablation, LVEDD decreased significantly (from 56.62 ± 5.87 to 49.23 ± 5.31 mm; p = 0.002), LVESD decreased significantly (from 41.85 ± 7.82 to 33.69 ± 4.66 mm; p = 0.002), LVEF increased significantly (from 46.69 ± 4.92% to 60.54 ± 5.39%; p < 0.001) and NYHA functional class improved in all patients after successful ablation.ConclusionRF catheter ablation of frequent RVOT-PVC has a beneficial effect on cardiac function in patients with depressed cardiac function.It carries a high degree of success and safety. Frequent RVOT-PVCs are burden on LV function even in patients without overt underlying structural heart disease.