RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Development of an Artificial Intelligence Algorithm to Detect Pathological Repolarization Disorders on the ECG and the Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias

Doctors are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to identify specific heart rhythm problems called Long QT (LQT) that can lead to a dangerous condition called Torsades de Pointes (TdP). LQT means the heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to reset itself after each beat. It can be inherited or caused by certain medicines. Currently, detecting LQT and TdP risk mostly relies on measuring a specific part of an ECG (heart tracing) called QTc, and sometimes genetic tests, which can be slow and not always detailed enough. This study aims to test a new AI tool that can look at ECGs more closely than a human, to automatically measure QTc, accurately identify different types of LQT, and predict the risk of TdP. This could lead to quicker and better care for people at risk.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

5,000

Start

28 Nov 2023

Estimated completion

28 Jun 2027

Cardiac Disease Ventricular Arrythmia

What is this study about?

You might be looking at this information because you or someone you know has a heart condition or is at risk of one. This project is about improving how doctors detect and understand certain heart rhythm problems called Long QT (LQT) syndrome. LQT means your heart's electrical system takes a bit longer than usual to 'recharge' between beats. This can sometimes lead to a rare but serious type of abnormal heartbeat called Torsades de Pointes (TdP), which can be very dangerous if not treated quickly.

LQT can happen for different reasons. Some people are born with it (inherited LQT), while for others, it can be caused by certain medicines. Currently, doctors mainly check for LQT by measuring a specific part of your heart tracing (ECG) called the QTc. They also sometimes use genetic tests. However, these methods don't always give the full picture or can take a long time to get results. This means we might miss important details about your heart's electrical activity.

This study is using a new approach: artificial intelligence (AI). Think of AI as a very clever computer program that can learn to spot patterns in ECGs that even trained human eyes might miss. Researchers have developed an AI tool that can not only measure QTc much more precisely but can also identify specific types of LQT and predict the risk of TdP more accurately. The main goal of this project is to test this AI tool in real-life hospital settings. If successful, it could help doctors identify people at risk of TdP much faster and with greater accuracy, leading to better and more timely treatment.

Key takeaways

New AI tool aims to improve heart condition detection.
Focuses on serious heart rhythm problems called Long QT and Torsades de Pointes.
Uses routine ECGs, no extra tests required.
Could lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Study checks the AI tool in real hospital settings.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you must be at least 18 years old. You would also need to be a patient receiving care at one of the hospitals involved in the study, and your doctor would need to have ordered an ECG (heart tracing) for you as part of your usual care.

However, there are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a medical condition that makes having an ECG unsuitable for you, you won't be able to participate. Also, if you have a pacemaker that controls your heartbeats, you wouldn't be eligible for this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 18 years old or older.
I am a patient at a participating hospital.
My doctor has ordered an ECG for me.
I do not have a medical reason that prevents me from having an ECG.
I do not have a pacemaker.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and agree to take part, your participation will be very straightforward. You won't need any extra hospital visits or special tests beyond what your doctor has already prescribed for your care. The study will simply use the data from your routine ECG heart tracing that's already being done. There are no new medications involved, and no extra follow-up appointments related to the study itself. Your involvement would mainly mean allowing the researchers to use your anonymised ECG data to test their AI tool. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time your ECG is taken and processed for the study.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of this study is that it could lead to much faster and more accurate detection of serious heart rhythm problems, ultimately improving care for people at risk of Torsades de Pointes. As your involvement only uses routine ECG data you would already be having, there are no direct extra risks to you beyond those associated with a standard ECG, which is a very safe procedure. There are also no direct personal benefits to you from participating. You have the right to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre d'Investigation Clinique Paris-Est/Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an ECG?

An ECG is a simple, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. Sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. It helps doctors check your heart's rhythm and overall health.

What is Long QT syndrome?

Long QT syndrome is a condition where your heart's electrical system takes a little longer than usual to reset after each beat. It can be inherited or caused by certain medicines and can sometimes lead to a dangerous abnormal heartbeat.

What is Torsades de Pointes?

Torsades de Pointes (TdP) is a serious, very fast, and irregular heartbeat that can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. It's often linked to Long QT syndrome.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

AI is a type of computer technology that can learn from information and make predictions or identify patterns. In this study, AI is being trained to 'read' ECGs more effectively than humans to spot heart problems.

Will this study affect my usual medical care?

No, participating in this study will not change your usual medical care or treatment in any way. It only involves using information from ECGs you would already be having.

How to find out more

Joe-Elie SALEM, PU-PH

joe-elie.salem@aphp.fr 0033 1 42 17 85 35 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.