Incidence of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Chronic Total Occlusion Recanalization

Rationale: Successful chronic total occlusion (CTO) recanalization has been associated with improved long-term survival. Furthermore, CTO is an independent predictor for the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). One may speculate that a successful CTO recanalization may provide electrical stability. However, no data are available on the incidence of sustained VA in this patient population. Objective: The objective of the present pilot study is to assess the incidence of sustained VA in 2 CTO groups: patients with successful percutaneous CTO recanalization (group A), patients with failed percutaneous CTO recanalization or untreated CTO (group B). Study design: Pilot study of patients with CTO. Study population: A total of 90 patients will be enrolled with a maximum of 45 patients in each arm. Intervention: A Medtronic Reveal LINQ™ Insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) will be implanted in every patient to continuously monitor heart rhythm during the follow-up period. Main study parameters/endpoints: To assess the incidence of VA defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia \>30 s or ventricular fibrillation.