Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyMeta-analysis
Early catheter ablation vs. antiarrhythmic drugs in treatment-naïve ischaemic ventricular tachyarrhythmias: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials
Authors' conclusion
Early catheter ablation provides similar efficacy to first-line antiarrhythmic drug therapy for major arrhythmic and survival outcomes, with reductions in hospitalizations and treatment-related adverse events, although largely driven by one trial.
Study context
- Population
- Treatment-naïve patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and prior MI
- Participants
- 618 patients · 3 RCTs
- Comparison
- Early catheter ablation vs AAD therapy as initial treatment
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
All-cause mortality, appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapies, VA storm, hospitalizations, adverse events
- No significant differences between strategies
Further pooled results
Heterogeneity (leave-one-out sensitivity analysis)
- One trial identified as primary contributor to between-study heterogeneity
Original publication
Early catheter ablation vs. antiarrhythmic drugs in treatment-naïve ischaemic ventricular tachyarrhythmias: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Europace. Published 26 June 2026. doi:10.1093/europace/euag073
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it