Central Illustration. Periaortic VT long after SAVR
Figure Legend: Incidence rate of periaortic VT after SAVR was 3 per 109 patients (2.8%). The average duration between AVR and the onset of periaortic VTs was 12.3±6.7 years. The periaortic scars appear to originate from chronic mechanical stimulation to the arrhythmic sensitive periaortic region by the artificial valve for decades. Arrhythmic risk stratification for patients after AVR including that by SAECG, Holter, and cardiac MRI should be considered. Abbreviations: AVR, aortic valve replacement; ECG, electrocardiogram; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; RBBB, right bundle branch block; SAECG, signal averaged electrocardiogram; SAVR, surgical aortic valve replacement; VT, ventricular tachycardia