Combined Ablation Techniques for Ventricular Tachycardia

(DUAL-VT Trial)

This trial tests a new method to treat ventricular tachycardia (a fast, irregular heart rhythm) by combining pulsed field and radiofrequency energy to enhance catheter ablation effectiveness. The goal is to determine if this approach can better control heart rhythm compared to current methods. Individuals who frequently experience these fast heartbeats, particularly those who have required medical intervention such as shocks from a heart device or hospital visits, might be suitable candidates.

As an unphased trial, this study provides patients the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to more effective treatments for heart rhythm issues.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. Please consult with the trial coordinators for more details.

In a previous study, over 17,000 patients treated with pulsed field ablation experienced fewer side effects, as it caused less harm to nearby tissues compared to traditional methods. Another study showed that using pulsed field energy along with radiofrequency energy successfully treated ventricular tachycardia without complications.

Researchers are excited about the combined pulsed field and radiofrequency energy treatment for ventricular tachycardia because it integrates two powerful ablation techniques into one device, potentially enhancing precision and effectiveness. Unlike standard treatments, which typically rely solely on radiofrequency energy, this approach also employs pulsed field ablation, a method that selectively targets heart tissue with electrical pulses, reducing the risk of damaging surrounding healthy tissue. This innovative combination aims to improve outcomes for patients by offering a more targeted and potentially safer option for managing ventricular tachycardia.

Research has shown that combining pulsed field ablation (PFA) with radiofrequency (RF) ablation can effectively treat ventricular tachycardia (VT), a type of fast heart rhythm. PFA uses electric fields to destroy heart tissue cells, while RF uses heat for the same purpose. A study involving multiple centers found that PFA alone was successful 85% of the time over three months, with no major complications. Another study reported an 88.8% success rate with PFA, demonstrating 100% effectiveness in the long term with no return of VT. In this trial, participants will undergo a combined ablation technique using both PFA and RF, potentially improving these results by leveraging the strengths of both methods, as they work differently to treat the heart condition.²⁴⁶⁷⁸