Novel ICD Arrhythmia Detection Algorithm

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Improving implantable cardioverter defibrillator arrhythmia detection: development of a novel arrhythmia detection algorithm

  • IRAS ID

    273631

  • Contact name

    Zachary Whinnett

  • Contact email

    z.whinnett@imperial.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    NCT04981496

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 10 months, 28 days

  • Research summary

    Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are used to treat life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). They have been proven to reduce the risk of sudden 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 we will collect data from patients 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 patients we will also collect further data from a small loop recorded implanted under the skin.

    We 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. We aim to recruit 100 patients in total.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/EM/0019

  • Date of REC Opinion

    24 Mar 2021

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion