Randomized Assessment of TcMS for VT Storm

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · Oct 24, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TcMS) for patients experiencing a condition known as ventricular tachycardia (VT) storm, which involves rapid heartbeats that can be dangerous. The trial compares two different TcMS methods against a placebo (sham stimulation) to see if they can help reduce the number of VT episodes within 24 hours. The researchers believe that one type of TcMS, called theta burst stimulation (TBS), may work better than a lower frequency version in reducing these episodes.

To join the trial, participants must be between 65 and 74 years old and have had at least three episodes of sustained VT or received appropriate treatments from their implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) within the last day, despite taking at least one heart rhythm medication. However, those who are planning to undergo a procedure to treat VT within the next 24 hours, are pregnant, or have certain medical devices or conditions may not be eligible. If you participate, you can expect to receive one of the treatment methods or a placebo, and the trial aims to understand the effectiveness of these approaches in managing your heart condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ≥3 episodes of sustained VT or appropriate ICD therapies within 24 hours despite the use of at least one antiarrhythmic drug
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Plan for catheter ablation of VT in the next 24 hours
• • Pregnancy
• • Contraindication to TcMS (i.e. implantable ventricular assist device, metal implanted in the head or neck \[except the mouth\], implanted medication pumps, cochlear implant, implanted brain stimulator, ocular implant, history of malignancy in the neck)