What happens when the heart’s electrical system spirals into a life-threatening rhythm disorder? In this episode of Beyond the Rounds, we explore ventricular arrhythmias — dangerous heart rhythm disturbances that can lead to sudden cardiac death, repeated ICD shocks and severe heart failure complications. Dr. Nolan Fisher sits down with cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Peter Weiss to break down how these arrhythmias develop, why they are so difficult to treat and how new ablation technologies are changing outcomes for patients with complex ventricular tachycardia (VT).Dr. Weiss, Director of the Center for Ventricular Arrhythmias and Robotics at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, shares how advanced mapping systems, catheter ablation and emerging technologies like ultra-cold cryoablation, AI-guided mapping and robotic magnetic navigation are helping physicians target dangerous electrical circuits deep within the heart muscle. The discussion also explores how Banner Health is building a multidisciplinary referral center capable of rapidly managing critically ill patients experiencing VT storm and recurrent ICD shocks.This episode is designed for physicians, advanced practice providers and clinicians seeking a practical understanding of ventricular arrhythmias, advanced electrophysiology procedures and the evolving role of catheter ablation in complex cardiac care.What We Cover• The difference between ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation (AFib)• Why ventricular tachycardia (VT) can become life-threatening• How scar tissue and cardiomyopathy create electrical “short circuits”• Understanding PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) and when they should be treated• How electrophysiologists map the heart’s electrical system in real time• What catheter ablation actually does during a VT procedure• The role of ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators)• Why antiarrhythmic medications like amiodarone can be difficult long term• How robotic magnetic navigation improves catheter stability and maneuverability• AI-assisted mapping and machine learning in electrophysiology• New technologies including ultra-cold cryoablation and pulsed field ablation• The importance of multidisciplinary VT storm programs and rapid referral pathwaysKey Topics for Clinicians• Ventricular tachycardia (VT)• Ventricular arrhythmias• VT storm• Cardiac electrophysiology• Catheter ablation• Robotic catheter navigation• Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)• Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)• Pulsed field ablation• Cryoablation• AI-guided electrophysiology mapping• Ischemic cardiomyopathy• Advanced heart failure• Electrophysiology mapping systems• Structural heart disease• Sudden cardiac death preventionAbout Our GuestDr. Peter Weiss is a cardiac electrophysiologist and Director of the Center for Ventricular Arrhythmias and Robotics at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. He specializes in complex ventricular arrhythmia management, robotic catheter ablation and advanced electrophysiology procedures. Dr. Weiss trained at Stanford University and has performed more than 1,400 robotic ablation procedures. Prior to joining Banner Health, he spent 14 years building a regional ventricular arrhythmia referral program at Intermountain Health.How to Refer a PatientBanner Health providers: Use Cerner’s Ambulatory Referral Management (ARM) tool.Community providers: Please call 602-521-3090 for referral information and scheduling assistance.DisclaimerThis podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is designed for a clinical audience. Any patient scenarios discussed are modified and de-identified to protect privacy. No protected health information (PHI) is disclosed. The information presented should not replace independent medical judgment or individualized patient care decisions.