What you can expect

Ventricular tachycardia ablation is done in the hospital. Before the procedure, you'll receive a medication called a sedative that helps you relax. In some cases, you'll receive anesthesia to place you in a sleep-like state.

A nurse or technician shaves any hair from an area, usually in the groin, and then numbs the area. The doctor inserts a long flexible tube (catheter) into the vein. He or she carefully guides the catheter into your heart.

Sensors on the tip of the catheter send electrical impulses and record your heart's electricity. Your doctor uses this information to determine the best place to apply the VT ablation treatment.

Your doctor will choose one of the following ablation techniques to create small scars in your heart and block abnormal heart rhythms.

• Heat (radiofrequency energy)
• Extreme cold (cryoablation)

VT ablation may be done from inside or outside the heart. Sometimes, treatment is done at both locations.

• Inside the heart. If your abnormal heartbeat is coming from inside your heart, your doctor will guide the catheter to this area. Heat or cold energy is applied to the target area, damaging the tissue and causing scarring. This helps block the electrical signals that cause ventricular tachycardia.
• Outside the heart (epicardial ablation). If your abnormal heartbeat starts in tissue outside the heart, your doctor will insert a needle through the skin on your chest and into the lining of the fluid-filled sack (pericardium) that surrounds your heart. A hollow tube (sheath) is inserted and catheters are passed through the tube to access the outside surface of the heart. Radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation can be used during epicardial ablation.

VT ablation takes about three to six hours. Afterward, you'll be taken to a recovery area where doctors and nurses will closely monitor your condition. You'll likely stay overnight in the hospital.