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.