Anatomical Characteristics of the Superior Epigastric Artery for Epicardial Ablation using the Anterior Approach.

Subsequent to the introduction of percutaneous epicardial access for ablation of ventricular tachycardia, percutaneous epicardial ablation is being increasingly performed in clinical practice. However, iatrogenic injury to the heart and surrounding organs is a major safety concern in such cases. Currently, subcostal percutaneous pericardiocentesis is the most commonly used method to perform epicardial ablation. In addition to the initially described inferior approach (1), the anterior approach was introduced as a useful alternative to avoid potential diaphragmatic and abdominal organ injury. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.