Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmia by Permanent Atrial Pacemaker and Cardiac Sympathectomy

Abstract

A 56 yr.-old white single female with recurrent ventricular tachycardia-fibrillation resistant to standard medications and right ventricular pacing was treated temporarily with a combination of right atrial pacing and propranolol, 40 mg a day. The patient underwent cardiac sympathectomy and implantation of a permanent atrial pacemaker. After the sympathectomy was performed the propranolol was stopped without recurrence of the premature ventricular beats. Discontinuation of atrial pacing again resulted in premature ventricular beats and pacing was re-started. She is now well off all medications.