Ablation treatment for patients with Brugada syndrome to prevent sudden death

Epicardial Ablation in Brugada Syndrome in the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death. A Randomized Prospective Follow-up Study.

Not applicable Interventional IRCCS Policlinico S. Donato · NCT03294278

This study is testing if a new heart procedure called ablation can help people with Brugada syndrome who have had dangerous heart rhythms live longer and healthier when combined with a heart device.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Policlinico S. Donato Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Donato Milanese, Milano)
Trial IDNCT03294278 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of epicardial catheter ablation in patients with Brugada syndrome who have experienced ventricular arrhythmias. A total of 150 patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either ablation combined with implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy or ICD therapy alone. The primary endpoint is survival from any recurrence of ventricular arrhythmia. The study seeks to provide evidence-based treatment options to improve patient outcomes in this high-risk population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with Brugada syndrome who have experienced at least one appropriate ICD shock and have documented ventricular arrhythmias.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have contraindications to anesthesia or ablation, or have a life expectancy of less than 12 months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with Brugada syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Previous non-randomized pilot studies have suggested potential benefits of epicardial ablation, but this trial represents a more rigorous randomized approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients affected by Brugada Syndrome diagnosed according to 2013 HRS/EHRA/APHRS
* Consensus document criteria
* The patient received at least 1 appropriate ICD shock.
* Documentation of any previous ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in the form of VT, non-sustained VT, non-sustained VF, RVOT PVC with a daily burden \>10000;
* Age ≥ 18;
* Willingness to attend follow-up examinations;
* Written informed consent for participation in the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A patient who does not meet inclusion criteria;
* Pregnancy or breast-feeding (which would exclude an ablation procedure);
* Contraindications to general anesthesia or epicardial ablation;
* Life expectancy \< 12 months

Where this trial is running

San Donato Milanese, Milano

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ventricular Arrhythmias and Cardiac Arrest
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.