Transcoronary chemical ablation of ventricular tachycardia.

After identification of the artery supplying blood to the arrhythmogenic area, transcoronary chemical ablation of ventricular tachycardia was undertaken in three patients with incessant tachycardia in whom the other therapeutic options had failed. Sterile ethanol (96%) was given at a dose of 1.5 ml in two patients and a total of 6 ml in the third. The arrhythmia was cured in two patients and suppressed during a 1-month period in the third until new collateral blood supply to the arrhythmogenic area developed and ventricular tachycardia recurred. The procedure was then repeated successfully. After administration of ethanol in the high interventricular septum, one patient developed temporary complete atrioventricular block and a pacemaker was implanted. No other complications occurred. We observed that in patients with ventricular tachycardia after myocardial infarction, it is possible to identify and catheterize small coronary arteries responsible for blood supply to the site of origin or pathway of ventricular tachycardia. After careful transcoronary mapping with saline, chemical ablation can prevent further episodes of the arrhythmia in selected patients.