Algorithm for the prevention of ventricular tachycardia onset: The PreventStudy

The Prevent Study is designed to investigate the effect of ct rate-smoothin g algorithm on the onset of ventricular tachycardia in patients with implan ted cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) with dual-chamber pacing and sensing function. Included in the study are patients who require ICD therapy for re current ventricular tachycardia or aborted cardiac arrest. After giving inf ormed consent to the study, the patients receive a Ventak AV ICD (CPI-Guida nt, St. Paul, MN). The patients are randomized to start either with active or inactive rate-smoothing algorithm. After 3 months, all patients cross ov er 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. (C) 1999 by Excerpta Medico, Inc.