Observational study on heart defibrillators for preventing sudden cardiac death

Prospective Observational Study of the ICD in Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention (PROSe-ICD)

Observational Johns Hopkins University · NCT00733590

This study looks at patients with heart defibrillators to see what factors might increase the risk of sudden cardiac death and how to better choose who needs these devices.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT00733590 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to understand the biological mechanisms that lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD) by examining patients with implanted internal defibrillators (ICDs) for primary prevention. It will categorize and follow these patients to identify clinical, electrocardiographic, genetic, and blood protein markers that indicate an increased risk of SCD. The study will compare patients who experience SCD events to those who do not, using standardized ICD settings to facilitate rhythm identification. The goal is to improve patient selection for ICD therapy based on their risk profiles.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with a history of acute myocardial infarction, non-ischemic left ventricular dysfunction, and an ejection fraction of 35% or less who are undergoing ICD generator replacement for primary prevention.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary prevention ICD replacements or those with advanced heart failure (NYHA Class IV) may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better identification of patients who would benefit from ICD implantation, potentially reducing the incidence of sudden cardiac death.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in identifying risk factors for sudden cardiac death, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* History of acute MI at least 4 weeks old
* Non-ischemic LV dysfunction for at least 9 months
* Who have an ejection fraction (EF) \< or = to 35%
* Undergone elective replacement indicator (ERI) generator replacement of an FDA-approved ICD for primary prevention of SCD within 24 months of enrollment.
* Who have primary prevention implants.

Exclusion Criteria:

* ICD generator replacement for secondary prevention
* Inability or unwillingness to provide valid informed consent
* New York Heart Association Class IV heart failure
* Patients with pre-existing Class 1 indications for pacemaker therapy.

Where this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 3 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 Heart Failure, CongestiveDeath, Sudden, CardiacArrhythmiaCardiomyopathiesdefibrillator, implantedgenomicselectrocardiographyelectrophysiological study
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.