Methods
This meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed a
comprehensive search of electronic databases for all randomized clinical
trials (RCTs) from inception to March 2020 (BK and TS). The keywords
used (VT OR
ventricular
tachycardia OR ventricular tachyarrhythmia) AND
(catheter
ablation OR
radiofrequency
ablation OR radiofrequency catheter ablation OR RFA OR
ablation
therapy). No language restriction was used. We excluded studies that
were observational in design and/or not yet peer-reviewed and published.
The risk of bias of the included trials was assessed using the Cochrane
Collaboration tool.
The primary outcome was the frequency of appropriate device therapies
defined as shocks or anti-tachycardia therapy. Secondary outcomes
included appropriate device shocks, inappropriate device shock,
sustained VT/VF, any death, cardiac death, arrhythmic death, and cardiac
hospitalization during follow-up. Tertiary outcomes included
quality-of-life and was assessed using the short-form 36 (SF-36)
patient-reported outcome. We used a random-effects model to calculate
hazard ratios (HRs) and standardized mean differences (SMD) with their
corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using an inverse variance
method. Heterogeneity was evaluated using theI2 statistic. Publication bias of the primary
outcome was assessed using funnel plot analysis.