Developing a new algorithm to detect arrhythmias and prevent sudden cardiac death

Improving implantable cardioverter-defibrillator arrhythmia detection: development of a novel arrhythmia detection algorithm

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are small devices placed within the body that prevent sudden cardiac death by treating life-threatening ‘ventricular’ arrhythmias. If an ICD detects an abnormal rhythm it delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heart beat. Sometimes ICDs deliver electric shocks when they are not needed – called inappropriate therapies – which can be painful and increase the risk of death. Also, people with ICDs still die from sudden cardiac death because slower ventricular arrhythmias are not recognised by the device. Dr Zachary Whinnett will lead a project to develop and test a new algorithm for detecting arrhythmias. The aim is to reduce unnecessary shocks and make ICDs better at recognising slower life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The new algorithm will include information on how well the heart is pumping blood (haemodynamic status) and an extra electrical signal (a subcutaneous electrocardiogram signal) that is currently not used by ICDs. Information used to develop and test the algorithm will be collected from 100 people with an ICD. If successful, the new algorithm could be incorporated into ICDs, making them safer and preventing more people dying from sudden cardiac death.