Cardiopulmonary support during electrophysiological procedures for ventricular tachycardias not haemodynamically tolerated.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (CPS) for circulatory assistance during electrophysiological endocavitary procedures for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in high-risk patients. From January to June 1999, eight patients with VT not haemodynamically tolerated, underwent an electrophysiological mapping and ablation while supported with percutaneous CPS in the cardiac surgery service of the University of Milan. The CPS system allowed for the maintenance of an arterial pressure of 60-70 mmHg during the tachycardia episodes.