Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can provide circulatory support in high-risk patients undergoing drug refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedures. We report experience using VA-ECMO in a pre-emptive approach for high-risk patients with VT storm and previously ineffective ablation procedures.

Four (4) patients with drug refractory ventricular tachycardia (mean age 61±3 years; left ventricular ejection fraction 21±5%) presenting for VT ablation had pre-emptive VA-ECMO. All patients during current admission had VT storm. Pre-ablation, 22 total monomorphic VTs (cycle length 402±69 ms) were induced or spontaneously observed (median of 4, IQR_25–75% 1–6). At the end of the procedure, 86% of all inducible VTs were rendered non-inducible. Median hospitalisation following VA-ECMO supported ablation was 5 days (IQR_25–75% 3–12). During follow-up (median 138 days [IQR_25–75% 57–277]), VT recurred in one patient as an isolated episode reverted by anti-tachycardia pacing. There was a 99% reduction in VT burden post ablation. One (1) patient died of cardiogenic shock within 24 hours whilst still on VA-ECMO, all other patients were successfully weaned off support and discharged. Two (2) patients underwent cardiac transplantation at 199 and 512 days post ablation following implantation of ventricular assist devices for worsening heart failure.

The pre-emptive use of VA-ECMO for high-risk patients undergoing catheter ablation for VT storm was found to be effective in maintaining haemodynamic status, and allowing successful mapping and catheter ablation for VT.