Study of Defibrillation Testing In Patients Undergoing Initial ICD Implantation
Ventricular ArrhythmiasThe primary objective of this study is to compare the composite outcome of total mortality and operative complications in patients who do not undergo defibrillation testing to those who do undergo defibrillation testing at the time of initial ICD implantation.
MRI Assessment of Arrythmia Ablation Lesions
Ventricular TachycardiaCardiac ArrhythmiaThis study will evaluate the feasibility of visualization and characterization of arrhythmia ablation lesions by MRI immediately following standard ablation techniques. The appearance of the ablation lesion will be correlated with clinical outcomes and risk of arrhythmia recurrence.
The IPED (Investigation of Palpitations in the ED) Study
PresyncopeArrhythmias4 morePalpitations (noticeable pounding, fluttering or irregular heart beat) and pre-syncope (near blackout) are common ED problems sometimes due to an abnormal cardiac rhythm. This is difficult to diagnose as examination and electrocardiogram (ECG) are commonly normal and symptoms have usually resolved by the time the patient arrives in the ED. Diagnosing an abnormal heart rhythm as the cause of symptoms rests on capturing it on an ECG and patients are usually discharged with advice to return to the ED again for a 12-lead ECG should symptoms recur. The investigators will recruit 242 adult participants to either study or control arms. All study arm participants will be given an AliveCor Heart Monitor and trained in the use of the device. Control arm participants will receive standard care only. Both groups will be followed-up at 90 days. The investigators believe a smart phone based event recorder will allow better and earlier diagnosis in patients with a compatible smart phone or tablet, and revolutionise ED care in this area.
Using an iPhone ECG to Monitor the QT Interval on Dofetilide and Sotalol Patients
Cardiac ArrhythmiaQt Interval1 moreThis study will validate the recording accuracy of a specific electrical interval of the heart, the QT interval, between an iPhone rhythm strip recording and a traditional 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). These measurements will occur in hospitalized patients that are starting either sotalol or dofetilide, since both of these medications can prolong the QT interval.
Confirm Rx™ Versus Reveal LINQ™ - Which is More Reliable in Data Transmission? A Randomized Clinical...
Cardiac ArrythmiasSyncope4 moreThis study will compare the reliability and timeliness in data transmission of the Abbott Confirm Rx™ loop recorder with the Medtronic Reveal LINQ™ loop recorder.
enHEART - Exploring Full Content of Optical Signals to Enhance Cardiac Arrhythmia Screening
ArrhythmiasCardiac8 moreThis research will investigate the PPG signal morphology related to physiological and non- physiological changes in arrhythmia-related heart rate as well as the performance of the PPG-based features previously developed within the framework of the Mini-Holter study to discriminate between several cardiac arrhythmias. To this end, clinical data will be recorded on patients by using a wrist-based PPG monitor simultaneously with 12-lead ECG and intracardiac electrogram (EGM) signals at the university hospital in Lausanne. Importantly, this study will remain purely observational as it will not change the diagnostic and therapeutic management of the included patients, nor will it interfere with the time course of the procedures. The aim of enHEART study is to validate on a larger database the ability of several previously developed PPG-based features to detect a variety of cardiac arrhythmias.
Enhanced Diagnosis of Ventricular Activation Pattern Using Intracardiac Electrograms
ArrythmiaThe objective of this study will be to evaluate the ability of IEGMs (Signal recorded from implanted pacing leads) and pseudo ECGs (derived from various IEGMs) to characterize various electrical conduction patterns. Electroanatomic mapping data and 12 Lead ECG will also be collected to characterize electrical conduction patterns during standard electrophysiology exam.
Prevention of Arrhythmia Device Infection Trial (PADIT)
ArrhythmiaThe goal of the pilot study is to compare whether a centre-wide policy of incremental antibiotic therapy will reduce pacemaker infection compared to a policy of conventional antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk patients undergoing arrhythmia device procedures. This pilot study will provide feasibility information for a larger cluster randomized crossover design (CRCD).
Healthy Lifestyles for Children With Complex Heart Problems
Congenital Heart DefectsInherited Cardiac Arrhythmias1 moreHealthy Lifestyles for Children with Complex Heart Problems is a planning and resource development project. The goal of the project is to develop an implementation plan that would enable children with complex heart problems to lead healthy, active lives within their own community. The primary goal of the project is to promote physical activity, because the physical and mental health benefits of activity are very important for these children. Children with complex heart problems have a higher risk for obesity, diabetes, acquired heart disease and mental health problems than their healthy peers. The physical health benefits of physical activity are well known, but physical activity is also key for children's mental health. Physical activity enables children to socialize with peers and create bonds and friendships. Physical activity participation also directly elevates mood through the release of brain chemicals. Children with complex heart problems are also known to experience fear and anxiety related to physical activity. This project will also develop strategies to promote healthy eating and the prevention of physical activity-related injuries to these children and their families. Children with complex heart problems are at higher risk of overweight and obesity and face unique injury risks related to pacemakers or their medications. Extensive consultations with families and caregivers have identified needed supports for physical activity lifestyles, mental health, healthy eating and injury prevention for these children. The goal of the interviews was to understand the positive and negative influences on physical activity and healthy lifestyles for these children. Analyses of the interview content was used to develop a detailed, step-by-step implementation plan to provide the supports necessary for children with complex heart problems to lead active, healthy lives in their own community, with their family and friends. The implementation plan specifies changes to family education and counselling resources, clinical care routines, and communication among professionals and families. The clinical trial will evaluate the impact of implementing the family supports and changes to practice previously developed. Surveys will be completed by families attending the cardiac clinic before and after the changes to practice and additional resources are made available. Interviews will be utilized to gather additional feedback from professionals and families that receive counselling utilizing the supplementary materials.
Implantable Loop Recorder in Hemodialysis Patients
HemodialysisCardiac Arrhythmia1 moreThe purpose of this study is to use implantable loop recorder (ILR) in patients under chronic hemodialysis to record arrhythmias and conduction disorders and correlate them with hemodialysis parameters.