This course examines the pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms of scar-related and idiopathic VT. We will identify key features of the 12-lead ECG and view a wide range of VT morphologies. We will review the acute management of VT in the out-of-hospital environment and examine the long-term treatment options for these patients, including the insertion of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), antiarrhythmic therapy, and VT ablation.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Describe scar-related ventricular tachycardia and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia.
• Examine the underlying mechanisms of scar-related ventricular tachycardia and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia.
• Identify key ECG features of scar-related ventricular tachycardia and idiopathic tachycardia.
• Examine the implantable cardioverter defibrillator and identify the key capabilities of these devices. Examine the role they play in managing ventricular tachycardia.
• Apply your understanding of the mechanisms of ventricular tachycardia to identify appropriate management strategies in the out-of-hospital environment.
• Review the radiofrequency ablation procedure and examine the evidence for ventricular tachycardia ablation for the long-term management of this tachyarrhythmia.