Emergent Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia: Predictors of Prolonged Hospitalization and Mortality.

Background: Patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) frequently present in unstable VT and are subject to urgent/high-risk ablation procedures. Clinical predictors of prolonged hospitalization and mortality are needed for optimal management of these patients.

Objectives: This study seeks to identify factors associated with prolonged hospitalization and mortality in emergent unplanned VT ablation procedures.

Methods: Fifty consecutive patients hospitalized emergently for VT with structural heart disease who underwent catheter ablation were prospectively followed up for outcomes and complications.

Results: Of the 50 patients (mean ± SD age 67.6 ± 12.8 years), 86.0% were male, 62.0% had ischemic cardiomyopathy, and their median left ventricular ejection fraction was 28.5%. Hospital stay <7 days (median 3 days) occurred in 28 (56.0%) patients (Group 1) and >7 days (median 10 days) or death <7 days occurred in 22 (44.0%) patients (Group 2). PAINESD score and left ventricular ejection fraction were similar between the groups. Compared with Group 1, Group 2 had significantly worse NYHA functional class III or higher (25.0% vs 63.6%; P = 0.006), electrical storm (46.4% vs 77.3%; P = 0.027), and prior failed VT ablation (35.7% vs 68.2%; P = 0.023). Multivariable analysis showed that NYHA functional class III or higher and prior failed VT ablation were predictive of prolonged hospital stay. After ablation, compared with Group 1, Group 2 had worse heart failure (10.7% vs 54.5%; P = 0.001), VT recurrences (3.6% vs 68.2%; P < 0.001), and 7 deaths within 30 days.

Conclusions: Patients undergoing emergent VT ablation are at high risk for prolonged hospital stay, which is predicted by NYHA functional class III or higher and a prior failed ablation. Early VT recurrences and worsening heart failure contribute to prolonged hospitalization and a high 30-day mortality.