Tiny trial tests ablation vs. pills for heart shock prevention
NCT ID NCT02114528
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compared two approaches to reduce shocks in people with an implantable defibrillator (ICD) who had dangerous heart rhythms. One group received antiarrhythmic drugs, the other had a catheter ablation procedure. The trial was a small pilot with only 3 participants and was terminated early, so no firm conclusions can be drawn.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Antiarrhythmic drugs (sotalol, mexiletine, procainamide, amiodarone) or catheter ablation
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that catheter ablation is a better first-line option than drugs for preventing painful shocks from an ICD.
What could go wrong
This was a very small pilot trial (only 3 participants) that was terminated early, so results are not reliable. Both treatments have risks, including procedure complications or drug side effects.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4W7, Canada