Algorithm for the prevention of ventricular tachycardia onset: the prevent study

• Published in: The American journal of cardiology 1999-03, Vol.83 (5), p.45-47
• Main Authors: Fromer, Martin, Wietholt, Dietmer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiac arrhythmia; Cardiac dysrhythmias; Cardiology; Cardiology. Vascular system; Electrocardiography; Equipment Design; Heart; Heart Arrest - etiology; Heart Arrest - prevention & control; Heart Arrest - therapy; Heart Rate; Humans; Medical research; Medical sciences; Pacemaker, Artificial; Preventive medicine; Quality of Life; Recurrence; Tachycardia, Ventricular - etiology; Tachycardia, Ventricular - prevention & control; Tachycardia, Ventricular - therapy; Transplants & implants; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0002-9149; 1879-1913
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9149(98)00968-0

The Prevent Study is designed to investigate the effect of a rate-smoothing algorithm on the onset of ventricular tachycardia in patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) with dual-chamber pacing and sensing function. Included in the study are patients who require ICD therapy for recurrent ventricular tachycardia or aborted cardiac arrest. After giving informed consent to the study, the patients receive a Ventak AV ICD (CPI-Guidant, St. Paul, MN). The patients are randomized to start either with active or inactive rate-smoothing algorithm. After 3 months, all patients cross over to the opposite group. Questionnaires are used to investigate quality-of-life issues. A total of 240 patients will be enrolled in the study, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months.