Long-Term Outcomes of Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Arrhythmias:
Comparing Techniques with and without Intracardiac Echocardiography -
What Matters?
Abstract
Background The increasing use of intracardiac echocardiography
(ICE) in the ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) has
raised questions about its true efficacy and safety. Objective
To evaluate the long-term outcome and periprocedural complications of
PVCs ablation with and without ICE. Methods This retrospective
study collected the periprocedural complications and PVC burden post
ablation. The risk factors of PVC recurrence was further explored.
Results The study included patients treated without ICE
(control group, n=451) and with ICE (ICE group, n=155) from May 2019 to
July 2022. The ICE group demonstrated significantly lower fluoroscopy
times and X-ray doses. There were no major complications in the ICE
group, and the difference in the occurrence of periprocedural
complications between the groups was not statistically significant
(p=0.072). The long-term success rates were similar for the control and
ICE groups (89.6% and 87.1%, respectively). The origin of PVCs was
identified as the independent factor for ablation success.
Conclusions The use of ICE did not confer an advantage with
regard to long-term success in PVCs ablation. To thoroughly evaluate the
safety and effectiveness of ICE in PVCs ablation, a prospective,
multicenter, randomized study is warranted.