NCT05478213 · Emory University
Ventricular Tachycardia Mechanisms
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to understand why certain hearts have ventricular arrhythmias and help identify areas of the heart that cause arrhythmias. There is still a significant gap in understanding why ventricular arrhythmias occur.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to understand why certain hearts have ventricular arrhythmias and help identify areas of the heart that cause arrhythmias. There is still a significant gap in understanding why ventricular arrhythmias occur. This study will examine the electrical properties of the heart tissue to understand how these arrhythmias occur, and hopefully identify areas that might lead to ventricular arrhythmias. The hope is that studying this might be able to improve outcomes during ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablations.
Interventions
DEVICE
Monophasic Action Potential (MAP) Catheter
The EasyMap catheter is a temporary quadripolar catheter for recording monophasic action potentials and for intracardiac pacing. During a standard of care VT ablation, the MAP catheter will be used to study cellular action potential of the ventricular myocardium, which cannot be done on traditional catheters. The catheter is placed on the myocardium (similar to other traditional catheters) and a recording signal is transmitted to the workstation. Using the MAP catheter the will not interrupt or distort any of the standard treatment procedures.
Primary outcome measures
Waveform Morphology
Time frame: During ablation on Day 1
Identification of sites that are critical to reentry of ventricular tachycardia from bystander sites will be performed by analyzing local ventricular activation. Local ventricular action is assessed with waveform morphology and is measured in voltage (mV). The normal range is \>3 mV bipolar and \>8.3 mV unipolar.
Conduction Velocity
Time frame: During ablation on Day 1
Identification of sites that are critical to reentry of ventricular tachycardia from bystander sites will be performed by analyzing electrophysiological properties. Electrophysiological properties are assessed with conduction velocity, measured in meters per second (m/s).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Diagnosis of ischemic cardiomyopathy
- Single or dual chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
Exclusion criteria
- Non-Ischemic cardiomyopathy
- Contraindication to catheter ablation
- Severe peripheral arterial disease or medical condition that prohibit arterial access
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT) or sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) within 30 days of acute coronary syndrome or within 90 days of coronary revascularization
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 30, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations