Using Non-Invasive Mapping To Eliminate Structural Heart Disease Ventricular Tachycardia
This study is investigating a new approach to treat a serious abnormal heart rhythm known as Ventricular Tachycardia (VT). VT often affects people who have had previous heart attacks. Current treatment involves a procedure called catheter ablation, where doctors use special tools inside the heart to find and fix the problem area. This can be complex and time-consuming. Our study is testing a non-invasive (meaning it doesn't go inside your body) mapping system called VIVO. VIVO uses existing heart scans and other simple tests to pinpoint where the VT is coming from. The aim is to see if using VIVO beforehand can help doctors go straight to the problem area during the ablation, making the procedure quicker and potentially safer for patients compared to the standard approach.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you have a heart condition called Ventricular Tachycardia (VT), it means your heart beats too fast and irregularly, especially in its lower chambers. This can be serious. Often, this happens in people who have had a heart attack in the past, which can leave scar tissue in the heart. The usual treatment for VT is a procedure called catheter ablation. This involves a doctor carefully guiding thin, flexible tubes (catheters) into your heart to find the exact spot causing the irregular beats and then treating it, usually by heating or freezing the small area.
While this treatment can be very effective, it can also be quite long and tricky for the doctors. This study is exploring a new tool called VIVO that might make the procedure easier and quicker. VIVO is a special system that uses pictures from previous heart scans, a simple picture of your chest, and an ECG (a recording of your heart's electrical activity) to create a map. This map helps doctors see where the VT is likely coming from, *before* they even start the ablation procedure.
The main aim of this study is to see if using the VIVO map beforehand can help doctors find the problem area faster during the ablation, potentially making the whole procedure shorter. We also want to check if this new approach is safe, effective, and if patients feel better afterwards compared to the standard ablation method. Patients taking part will be randomly assigned to either receive the standard ablation or the VIVO-guided ablation.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a new way to make VT ablation procedures quicker and more efficient.
- It uses a non-invasive mapping tool called VIVO to guide doctors to the problem area in the heart.
- The study compares VIVO-guided ablation with the standard ablation method.
- Participation involves being randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups.
- The study will track your progress for at least six months after the procedure.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you would need to be at least 18 years old. You must have structural heart disease, which means changes to your heart muscle, often from a previous heart attack. You'd also need to have had recent heart scans (like a cardiac CT or MRI) within the last six months, and have an implanted heart device (like an ICD or CRTD) that has treated your VT with shocks or special pacing therapies recently.
It's important that your doctor believes you are a suitable candidate for VT ablation as part of your normal NHS care. You also need to be willing to follow the study's instructions and attend follow-up appointments for at least six months after joining.
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are unable to give your consent, have certain blood clotting issues, an active infection, or severe kidney problems. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have known allergies to certain medications or imaging dyes, you would also not be able to participate. The study also cannot accept patients who are already in another research study that might affect this one.
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 heart disease from a past heart attack?
- Have you had recent heart scans (CT/MRI) within the last 6 months?
- Do you have an implanted heart device (like an ICD) that has treated your VT recently?
- Are you generally suitable for VT ablation?
- Can you attend follow-up appointments for at least 6 months?
What does participation involve?
If you choose to take part in this study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups: either the group receiving the standard VT ablation, or the group receiving the VIVO-guided ablation. You will not get to choose which group you are in. The procedure itself will be performed as per usual clinical practice, but for those in the VIVO group, extra information from the VIVO map will be used by your doctor.
After your ablation, you will have routine follow-up visits with your care team. These visits will be similar to what you would have normally, but the study will specifically track your progress for at least six months. The study team will collect information about how long your procedure took, how successful it was, and how you feel about your health. There will be no extra medication involved beyond what your doctor would normally prescribe.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- Royal Sussex County HospitalVerified postcodeBrighton, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- University Hospitals Coventry and WarwickshireVerified postcodeCoventry, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- The James Cook University HospitalVerified postcodeMiddlesbrough, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)?
VT is a type of very fast, abnormal heart rhythm that starts in the lower chambers of your heart. It can make you feel dizzy or faint, and can be dangerous.
What is catheter ablation?
It's a procedure where doctors use special thin wires (catheters) guided into your heart to find and fix the small area causing the irregular heartbeats, often by using heat or cold.
What is VIVO?
VIVO is a non-invasive (no needles or cuts) mapping system. It uses your existing heart scans and other simple tests to create a map that helps doctors see where the VT problem is likely coming from.
Will I know which treatment group I'm in?
Yes, this study is 'non-blinded', meaning both you and your doctor will know if you're in the standard ablation group or the VIVO-guided group.
How long will I be involved in the study?
If you join, you will be followed for at least six months after your ablation procedure.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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