Earlier the better - when it comes to ablation of VTs in people with ICDs, says Circulation study

Italy: Researchers in a recent study strongly support that when it comes to catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardias (VTs) in people with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), the earlier is the better. 

"VT ablation after first appropriate shock was tied to a lower risk of the combined death or worsening heart failure hospitalization end point, fewer ICD shocks, and lower mortality," Paolo Della Bella, San Raffaele University-Hospital, Milan, Italy, and colleagues wrote in their study published in the journal Circulation. "Our findings provide support considering ventricular tachycardia ablation following the first ICD shock."

There is no stronghold regarding the optimal timing for catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia. No randomized trials have evaluated the benefit of ablation after the first ICD shock. Considering this, Dr. Bella and colleagues conducted a 2-phase, prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial called PARTITA Trial. 

In an initial observational phase until first appropriate shock (phase A), patients with ischemic or nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and primary or secondary prevention indication for ICD were enrolled. After their reconsent, they were randomly assigned in the ratio of 1:1 in phase B to receive immediate ablation (within 2 months from shock delivery) or continuation of standard therapy. 

A composite of death from any cause or hospitalization for worsening heart failure was the primary end point. Amiodarone intake was not allowed except for documented atrial tachyarrhythmias. Phase B of the trial was interrupted on July 23, 2021 as a result of the first interim analysis on the basis of the Bayesian adaptive design.  

KEYWORDS: Circulation, ventricular tachycardias, implantable cardiac defibrillators, ICD shock, cardiac implantable device, AHA, Paolo Della Bella, heart failure, hospitalization, catheter ablation