A new technique - interpapillary subendocardial cryoablation (CSIP) - was used in nine patients suffering from recurrent ventricular tachycardia associated with Chagas disease (TVRCh). Location of the TVRCh was determined preoperatively through electrophysiological imaging (EEF). In eight patients it was located on the lateral wall of the left ventricle (VE) in the interpapillary region (IP), and in one patient on the diaphragmatic surface of the VE with IP extension. The surgery consisted in a direct approach to the IP region, which was removed following ventriculotomy with CSIP. Intraoperative EEF was not used. TVRCh could not be relieved in eight of the nine patients on EEF. In one patient it was relieved in one attempt only, the patient being asymptomatic 21 months following surgery, with no TVRCh crises. Seven patients are asymptomatic, without anti-arrhythmic medication and in functional class I. One patient with diffuse myocardiopathy is in functional class 11, exclusively on cardiotonic medication. The results obtained permit credence to be given to the surgical techniques proposed.
tachycardia recurrent ventricular; cryoablation