Endo-epicardial vs Endocardial-only Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (EPIC-VT)

Launched by RENNES UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · May 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The EPIC-VT clinical trial is researching the best way to treat a heart condition called ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, which is heart disease caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. The study aims to compare two methods of a procedure called catheter ablation, which helps to stop the irregular heartbeats. One method uses only an endocardial approach, which means that the treatment is done from inside the heart. The other method combines both endocardial and epicardial approaches, which treats the heart from both inside and outside. Researchers want to find out if the combined approach can lower the chances of VT coming back compared to the endocardial-only approach.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old and are having their first catheter ablation for VT related to ischemic heart disease. They should also have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and be able to provide informed consent. Participants can expect to undergo either of the two treatment methods, and the study is currently recruiting patients. It’s important to note that certain medical histories or current treatments may prevent someone from joining, such as previous heart surgeries or certain medications. This trial is crucial because reducing the recurrence of VT can significantly improve heart health and overall well-being in patients with this condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients over 18 years of age
• • 2. 1st radiofrequency ablation of VT complicating ischaemic heart disease
• • 3. Patients with an ICD and remote monitoring
• • 4. Having, for women of childbearing age, effective contraception until discharge from hospital
• • 5. Have given their free and informed consent in writing
• • 6. are affiliated to or have health insurance
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. History of cardiac surgery compromising the epicardial approach (coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacements, or other surgeries that may have caused pericardial adhesions)
• • 2. Presence of a left intraventricular thrombus found during pre-procedure imaging
• • 3. Anticoagulant therapy that cannot be temporarily discontinued
• • 4. Double antiplatelet therapy that cannot be temporarily replaced by single antiplatelet therapy
• • 5. History of pericarditis
• • 6. Previous thoracic radiotherapy
• • 7. Contraindication to general anaesthesia
• • 8. Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
• • 9. History of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type 2 (as injection is required during the procedure)
• • 10. Person under legal protection (safeguard of justice, curatorship, guardianship), deprived of liberty, or unable to express consent