Novel ICD Arrhythmia Detection Algorithm

Imperial College London

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Implantable Defibrillator User; Cardiomyopathies; ICD

Treatments: Other: Observational Study during Clinical and Simulated arrhythmias in patients with ICDs

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04981496

20HH5882

FS/20/11/34750 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

Details and patient eligibility

About

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are used to treat life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias).

They have been proven to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death; however, there are limitations with current ICDs. Firstly, they may deliver inappropriate therapies (therapies delivered in the absence of life-threatening arrhythmias). Secondly, slower life-threatening arrhythmias may be left untreated because current programming recommendations, designed to minimise inappropriate therapies, rely predominantly on heart rates. Therefore, there is considerable potential to make ICDs safer with more sophisticated ICD algorithms.

In this research study the investigators will collect data from participants with newly implanted or existing ICDs whilst they are in induced or spontaneously occurring abnormal rhythms. The data will come from sensors placed on the skin that can measure blood flow or electrical properties of the body. In addition, in 20 participants, the investigators will also collect further data from a small loop recorder implanted under the skin.

The investigators will use this data to help develop and validate new methods of reliably identifying life-threatening arrhythmias so that future ICDs deliver therapies when only needed.

The research is funded by the British Heart Foundation, and will take place at Hammersmith Hospital over 3 years. The investigators aim to recruit 100 patients in total.

Full description

This novel arrhythmia detection algorithm will incorporate a haemodynamic sensor and extra bipolar electrogram with an aim to outperform current commercially used arrhythmia detection algorithms that rely primarily on heart rate.

Enrollment: 90 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 99 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Study A and B

1. Patients referred for conventional defibrillator implantation or generator change.
2. Adults (age > 18 years)
3. Willing to take part and able to give consent.

Study C

1. Patients with defibrillators who are undergoing a VT ablation.
2. Adults (age > 18 years)
3. Willing to take part and able to give consent.

Study D

1. Patients with defibrillators already implanted who are able to exercise and raise their heart rate substantially
2. Adults (age > 18 years)
3. Willing to take part and able to give consent.

Study E

1. Patients with a defibrillator already implanted admitted with atrial arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia or RV lead fracture.
2. Adults (age > 18 years)
3. Willing to take part and able to give consent.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria for studies A-E:

1. Unable to give consent.
2. Children (age < 18 years)
3. Pregnant women.

Exclusion criteria for studies A and B if undergoing VF induction:

1. Intracardiac thrombus
2. AF without regular anticoagulation
3. Severe aortic stenosis
4. Severe ischaemic heart disease
5. Decompensated heart failure

Exclusion criteria for study D

1. Recent heart attack or stroke (within the last month)
2. Thromboembolic event undergoing active treatment
3. Severe aortic stenosis
4. Severe ischaemic heart disease
5. Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
6. Uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmias
7. Physically unable to exercise, for example due to arthritis.

Trial design

90 participants in 2 patient groups

Simulated Arrhythmias

Description:

Simulate ventricular and/or atrial tachycardia via VVI or AAI pacing an ICD with an implantable loop recorder implant (or a surface bipolar electrogram) and haemodynamics.

Treatment:

Other: Observational Study during Clinical and Simulated arrhythmias in patients with ICDs

Clinical Arrhythmias

Description:

Genuine clinical VT (acute presentation), RV lead fracture/noise or sinus tachycardia on exercise whilst recording haemodynamics and a surface bipolar electrogram.

Treatment:

Other: Observational Study during Clinical and Simulated arrhythmias in patients with ICDs