Combined Endocardial and Epicardial Ablation of Drug-Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia by Direct Ventricular Puncture

Mechanical valves in both aortic and mitral positions pose a challenge for left ventricular (LV) access during ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation using the antegrade transseptal or the retrograde transaortic approach. A 57 year-old male with ischemic cardiomyopathy, mechanical aortic and mitral valves, and recurrent VT underwent a combined endocardial and epicardial ablation via direct ventricular puncture via mini-thoracotomy. Successful mapping with endocardial and epicardial ablation was performed, with no recurrent VT on follow up. We showcase the feasibility of VT ablation using an open transapical approach for patients with mechanical aortic and mitral valves.