Dynamic Voltage Mapping to Personalise the Ventricular Tachycardia Substrate
This study is investigating a new technique called Dynamic Voltage Mapping for treating a serious heart condition called ventricular tachycardia (VT). VT can cause a dangerously fast heartbeat and is a common cause of sudden heart-related death. Current treatments, like electrical shocks from a device or medication, have downsides. Another option is a procedure called ablation, where doctors use heat or cold to destroy the faulty electrical paths in the heart. However, VT can sometimes return after ablation because it's hard to precisely map the problem areas. Researchers believe Dynamic Voltage Mapping could make ablation more accurate by better identifying the affected heart tissue. This study aims to find out how well this new method works in real-life situations for people undergoing VT ablation.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a serious heart condition where your heart beats much too fast. This can be very dangerous and is a common reason for sudden death related to the heart. It often happens to people who have had a heart attack or other damage to their heart.
When you have VT, the electrical signals in your heart don't work properly, especially around any scars in your heart. People at risk usually have a small device called an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) fitted. This device can detect VT and give your heart an electrical shock to get it back to a normal rhythm. While an ICD can save lives, these shocks can be painful and upsetting. There are also medicines like amiodarone that can help, but they might cause side effects in the long run, affecting organs like your liver, lungs, or thyroid gland.
A procedure called catheter ablation is another option. During this, doctors put thin tubes (catheters) into a blood vessel in your groin and guide them up to your heart. They then use these tubes to find and destroy the faulty electrical pathways in your heart, often using heat, cold, or electrical energy. However, even with ablation, VT can come back in about one out of every three people. This is because it can be hard to pinpoint the exact areas of scar tissue and the surrounding heart tissue that are causing the problem, making it tricky to know precisely where to treat.
This study is looking at a new technique called Dynamic Voltage Mapping. Researchers think this method could help doctors more accurately find the tricky areas of scar tissue in your heart during an ablation procedure. Early findings suggest it could be a good way to identify the VT pathways and help guide the treatment. The study aims to involve 40 people who are already having VT ablation to see how effective Dynamic Voltage Mapping is during these procedures.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a new mapping technique for a serious heart rhythm issue (VT).
- It aims to improve the accuracy of heart ablation procedures.
- People with VT who are already having an ablation could be eligible.
- The new technique, Dynamic Voltage Mapping, may help doctors target treatment better.
- The study doesn't involve new medications, but a different mapping approach during ablation.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for adults aged between 18 and 85 who are already planned to have a heart procedure called VT ablation. This means you have had episodes of sustained VT or your ICD has given you shocks.
Both men and women can take part, and it doesn't matter if your heart condition is due to previous heart attacks (ischaemic cardiomyopathy) or other causes (non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy). You'll also need to have an ICD already fitted.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have very advanced heart failure (NYHA Class IV), cancer that has spread, or end-stage kidney disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those who are very frail, also cannot take part. You must also be willing and able to understand and agree to join the 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.
- Are you between 18 and 85 years old?
- Are you already scheduled to have a VT ablation?
- Do you have a heart device called an ICD fitted?
- Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be undergoing a standard VT ablation procedure. The difference is that during your ablation, the new Dynamic Voltage Mapping technique will be used. This will involve the doctor using a special mapping system to create a detailed electrical map of your heart to help guide the ablation. This is a normal part of the procedure with an added detailed mapping step. You will attend your scheduled ablation appointment as planned. After your ablation, the study team will follow your progress as part of your routine medical care to see how well the treatment worked for you. The total duration of your participation will be in line with your usual follow-up appointments after an ablation.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLiverpool, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)?
VT is a serious heart condition where your heart beats dangerously fast, often due to faulty electrical signals in scarred areas of the heart.
What is an ablation?
Ablation is a procedure where doctors use special tools to find and destroy the small areas of heart tissue that are causing the irregular heartbeats.
What is Dynamic Voltage Mapping?
It's a new technique doctors hope will help them create more accurate electrical maps of your heart, making ablation treatments more precise.
Will taking part change my usual treatment?
You will still have your planned VT ablation, but an extra mapping step will be used during the procedure to help guide the treatment.
How long will the study last for me?
Your involvement will be focused around your planned ablation procedure and subsequent routine follow-up appointments.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.