Alternate Energy Sources for VT Ablation: Options and Clinical Outcome-Alternate Energy Sources for VT Ablation: Options and Clinical Outcome

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session at HRS 2025, led by Philip Kukulich and others, delved into various innovative energy sources for ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. Dr. Packer discussed particle therapy such as proton and photon modalities, emphasizing their careful treatment planning and therapy targeting. Dr. De Potter presented on ultra-low temperature cryoablation, highlighting its effectiveness compared to RF ablation, especially in creating deep lesions in both scarred and healthy tissue. Cryoablation's safety and efficacy were demonstrated in early human trials, although improvements in catheter design were noted for better integration in clinical settings.<br /><br />Dr. Korut spoke about pulse-field ablation (PFA) and its potential, noting challenges such as the need for technology that constrains and directs the field of ablation. The European Affair Registry indicates promise for PF in VT ablation with an acute success rate of 82%. However, combining RF and PF remains experimental, showing potential for deeper lesions.<br /><br />Finally, Dr. Stevenson covered enhancing RF energy delivery by modifying applications to reach deeper tissue layers without causing surface damage. Standard RF catheters, bipolar RF ablation, and intramural needles offer varied approaches to address intramural arrhythmias. Throughout, concerns like ensuring adequate lesion depth while preventing collateral damage were stressed. The session underscored advancements and challenges in VT ablation, emphasizing the importance of appropriate use and combination of new technologies.

Keywords

ventricular tachycardia

VT ablation

energy sources

proton therapy

photon modalities

cryoablation

pulse-field ablation

RF energy delivery

intramural needles

lesion depth