Vein-directed ethanol treatment for ventricular tachycardia after a heart attack
VENOUS ETHANOL ABLATION IN ISCHEMIC VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA- VELVET TRIAL
This will try putting a small amount of ethanol into veins on the heart to stop dangerous fast rhythms in people with scarring from a prior heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181174 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be offered a procedure that uses conventional catheter techniques plus delivery of ethanol into coronary veins that drain the scarred area of your heart. The team targets veins that sit next to the abnormal tissue and nerve fibers thought to trigger ventricular tachycardia. This approach has been used in case reports and registries for patients whose VT did not respond to standard radiofrequency ablation. The research aims to refine procedures, monitor safety, and see if adding venous ethanol reduces recurrent arrhythmias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with ischemic cardiomyopathy who have recurrent or ablation-refractory ventricular tachycardia and an identifiable coronary vein near the scar are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose fast rhythms are not caused by ischemic scar, who lack suitable coronary veins near the target area, or who cannot tolerate invasive catheter procedures are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce recurrent life-threatening arrhythmias, lower the need for repeat ablation procedures, and improve symptoms and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier case reports and a large multinational registry reported promising safety and effectiveness of venous ethanol for VT that failed radiofrequency ablation, though randomized evidence is limited.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Methodist Hospital Research Institute — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valderrabano, Miguel — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Valderrabano, Miguel
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.