Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing magnetic stimulation methods for treating ventricular tachycardia storms

Official title: Randomized Assessment of the Efficacy of Transcutaneous Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Ventricular Tachycardia Storm

Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT05599022 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing two different types of magnetic stimulation treatments to see which one helps people with ventricular tachycardia storms feel better compared to a fake treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 22, 2023
Main results expectedJuly 2028
Study endsOctober 2028
Registry record updatedApril 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT05599022 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include individuals who have experienced three or more episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia or appropriate ICD therapies within 24 hours despite antiarrhythmic drug treatment.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are scheduled for catheter ablation of VT within the next 24 hours or have contraindications to TcMS will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of two different strategies of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TcMS) in patients experiencing ventricular tachycardia (VT) storms. It is a three-arm randomized trial that compares TcMS with theta burst stimulation (TBS) and low-frequency TcMS against a sham stimulation group. The primary hypothesis is that TcMS will significantly reduce the burden of VT within 24 hours post-randomization compared to sham stimulation. The study aims to determine which TcMS approach is more effective in managing this critical condition.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel non-invasive treatment option for patients suffering from recurrent ventricular tachycardia.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using TcMS for VT storms is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using magnetic stimulation for other neurological and cardiac conditions, suggesting potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥3 episodes of sustained VT or appropriate ICD therapies within 24 hours despite the use of at least one antiarrhythmic drug

Exclusion Criteria:

* Plan for catheter ablation of VT in the next 24 hours
* Pregnancy
* Contraindication to TcMS (i.e. implantable ventricular assist device, metal implanted in the head or neck \[except the mouth\], implanted medication pumps, cochlear implant, implanted brain stimulator, ocular implant, history of malignancy in the neck)

Where it's running

  • Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.