Radiofrequency catheter ablation for postinfarct ventricular tachycardia

Catheter mapping and radiofrequency ablation of postinfarct sustained ventr icular tachycardia (VT) remain one of the greatest challenges for the elect rophysiologist. Although there were no major breakthroughs during the past year, several refinements and clarifications of existing mapping criteria w ere published. In addition, initial reports appeared describing new mapping systems and ablation technologies that may significantly impact the way ab lation studies are performed as well as the way in which they affect succes s rates. Uncertainties remain as to how effective catheter ablation will be as a long-term cure for this type of VT. For the foreseeable future, cathe ter ablation in postinfarct VT will remain adjunctive rather than primary t herapy.