Investigating VTA Ablation in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Prophylactic Intra-Operative Ventricular Arrhythmia Ablation in High-Risk LVAD Candidates (PIVATAL)

Phase 4 Interventional University of Rochester · NCT05034432

This study is testing if a procedure to stop fast heartbeats during surgery for a heart pump can help patients with a history of those fast heartbeats feel better after the surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Rochester Academic / other
Locations19 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 18 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05034432 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ventricular tachycardia (VTA) ablation performed during the implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) in patients with a history of VTA. It is a multicenter, open-label, randomized-controlled trial enrolling 100 LVAD candidates who will be divided into two groups: one receiving intra-operative VTA ablation and the other receiving standard medical management. Comprehensive data on arrhythmia history and healthcare utilization will be collected, with participants followed for an average of 18 months post-surgery to assess outcomes related to arrhythmia and overall health. The study seeks to determine if VTA ablation can reduce the incidence of VTA after LVAD surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with advanced cardiomyopathy eligible for LVAD and a history of sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone successful VTA ablation without recurrent arrhythmias prior to LVAD implantation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in patients undergoing LVAD implantation.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar studies have shown promise in managing arrhythmias in patients with advanced heart failure.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years
* Presence of advanced cardiomyopathy (of all INTERMACS classification) and eligible for LVAD implant per the decision of the Heart Failure clinical team
* Implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) any time in past with remote monitoring or planned to undergo ICD (or ICM as an alternative, if an ICD cannot be implanted for a clinical reason) implant within the index hospitalization for LVAD implant
* History of treated or monitored sustained (i.e., \>30 seconds in duration ) VT or VF episode within the past 5 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Past successful VTA ablation without recurrent VTA prior to LVAD implant (Patients who continue to experience VTA post ablation and pre LVAD implant qualify to be enrolled)
* Participation in other clinical trials (observational registries are allowed with approval)
* Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Phoenix, Arizona and 18 other locations

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 ArrythmiaCardiomyopathies
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.