LHCH researchers recruit first patient to Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) study
Researchers at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH) are thrilled to have successfully recruited the first patient to the DYNAMITE-VT study. This study aims to improve the way we treat Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) for our patients. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a potentially life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm from the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). We hope that by better guiding ablation, we can reduce recurrence, hospitalisation, the need to redo procedures, and defibrillator shocks for patients.
Hosted by LHCH and funded by the British Heart Foundation, the study will evaluate ‘Dynamic Voltage Mapping’, an innovative approach designed to improve the identification of abnormal heart tissue responsible for ventricular tachycardia during ablation procedures.
The study is led by Dr Vishal Luther, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist and Dr Justin Chiong, Cardiology Research Fellow, who are supported by Dr Nathan Denham, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Dr Alex Carpenter, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Dr Tim Fairbairn, Consultant Cardiologist – Cardiac Imaging and Miss Laura Brodie, Senior Cardiac Physiologist. The study aims to recruit a total of 40 patients.
Nigel, 64, from Eastham on the Wirral (pictured right), was the first patient recruited to the DYNAMITE-VT study. He said: “I had a VT ablation procedure at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital using the Dynamic Voltage Mapping technique. I stayed overnight and was home the next day. I feel brilliant now and the procedure has been a success."
Dr Justin Chiong, Cardiology Specialty Registrar and BHF Clinical Research Fellow said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our first participant, Nigel, for taking part in this extremely valuable study.
“LHCH has an international reputation for pioneering VT research. The concept of Dynamic Voltage Mapping was developed and initially evaluated here at LHCH. The DYNAMITE-VT study represents the next stage of this work and testing this technique prospectively through a randomised controlled trial.
“We are grateful to all members of the research team and our VT Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) group for their invaluable support in helping the study reach this exciting stage.”
Pictured top from left to right: Dr. Nathan Denham, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Dr. Justin Chiong, BHF Clinical Research Fellow, Dr. Vishal Luther, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Chief Investigator for DYNAMITE-VT and Miss Laura Brodie, Senior Cardiac Physiologist who are all members of the LHCH VT research group.