RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Optimised Decrement Evoked Potential (DeEP) Mapping to Guide Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) Ablation in Patients With Structural Heart Disease VT

This study aims to improve treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia (VT), a serious condition where the heart beats too fast. While special pacemakers can help, they don't stop VT from happening. A common treatment is catheter ablation, where doctors use heat to destroy small areas of heart tissue causing the VT. However, finding these 'problem areas' accurately can be tricky. Our research is testing a new method where doctors look for specific signals, called 'Decrement Evoked Potentials' (DeEPs), in the heart. The study will see if targeting and treating these DeEPs leads to fewer VT episodes over 12 months for patients who already have heart disease and have experienced VT, ultimately hoping to improve their quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

11 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

03 Dec 2027

Structural Heart Disease

What is this study about?

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) is a serious heart problem where your heart beats much too fast, which can be life-threatening. Many people with VT have special pacemakers called ICDs (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators) which can deliver a shock to correct the rhythm if it becomes too dangerous. However, ICDs don't stop these VT episodes from happening in the first place.

One common treatment to prevent VT episodes is a procedure called catheter ablation. During this procedure, doctors guide thin wires into your heart to locate and then gently heat and destroy the small areas of heart tissue that are causing the problem. Think of it like finding and removing a faulty electrical wire. A big challenge for doctors is accurately identifying exactly where these faulty areas are in the heart.

This study is testing a new and improved way to find these problem areas. Our research team has developed a method to look for specific electrical signals in the heart, which we call 'Decrement Evoked Potentials' (DeEPs). We want to see if targeting and treating these DeEPs during an ablation procedure leads to better results for patients. We hope this new approach will help reduce the number of VT episodes and improve the quality of life for people with structural heart disease who experience VT.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a new technique to improve VT ablation outcomes.
It aims to precisely locate problem areas in the heart using 'DeEPs' signals.
Participation involves a standard ablation, guided by the new technique, followed by 12 months of monitoring.
The goal is to reduce VT episodes and improve quality of life for patients.
It's for people with existing heart disease and recurrent VT who are candidates for ablation.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and already have a heart device like a pacemaker or an ICD. You must also be someone who your cardiac team believes would benefit from a VT ablation procedure as part of your normal care.

The study is for people who have existing heart disease that has affected the structure of their heart, such as after a heart attack, or conditions like cardiomyopathy. Your heart disease can be of any cause. You would also need to be able to have the ablation procedure using specific mapping equipment.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have very severe heart failure, or have another serious illness that means you're not expected to live for at least another year. Also, if you have a blood clot in your heart or certain artificial heart valves, you might not be suitable for this particular study. The doctors will check all these details carefully.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a heart device like a pacemaker or ICD?
Has your doctor told you that you need a VT ablation?
Do you have an existing heart condition that affects your heart's structure (e.g., after a heart attack or cardiomyopathy)?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the VT ablation procedure you receive will be largely similar to the standard ablation you would have anyway. The main difference is that doctors will use our new method involving 'DeEPs' to guide where they perform the ablation. Before the procedure, you will fill out a questionnaire about your quality of life. After the ablation, doctors will test to see if VT can still be triggered. For the next 12 months, the research team will monitor you to see how many VT episodes you experience. This follow-up will likely involve your routine clinic visits. The total duration of your participation will be 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of participating is that this new method might lead to a more effective VT ablation, potentially reducing your VT episodes and improving your quality of life. While the ablation procedure is generally safe, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks such as bleeding, infection, or damage to heart tissue, though serious complications are rare. These risks are generally similar to those of a standard VT ablation. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Coventry, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is VT ablation?

VT ablation is a procedure where doctors use heat to destroy small areas of heart tissue that are causing irregular, fast heartbeats (Ventricular Tachycardia).

What are 'DeEPs'?

DeEPs are special electrical signals in your heart that our researchers believe can help identify the exact problem areas causing your VT more accurately.

Will taking part change my normal treatment?

The ablation procedure itself will still aim to treat your VT, but the way doctors identify the target areas will use this new research method. Otherwise, your general medical care will continue as usual.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you join, you will be monitored for 12 months after your ablation procedure to see how well the new method works for you.

Will I still need my ICD?

Yes, even if the ablation is successful, you will typically still need your ICD to protect you in case of any future VT episodes.

How to find out more

Shivam Joshi

optodeepstudyoffice@uhcw.nhs.uk +442476966907 Official trial record

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