DAVID II Trial: Dual Chamber and VVI Implantable Defibrillator

Study of:
Dual Chamber and VVI Implantable Defibrillators

Recent research studies have determined a significant benefit to allowing the heart’s intrinsic conduction system to function on its own and to minimize pacing of the heart’s ventricles when there is no indication for it.

All patients enrolled in this study will require the need for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with no indication for cardiac pacing. The study is designed to assess whether pacing only the heart’s atrium will lessen the rate of heart failure hospitilizations and mortality rates when compared to backup pacing of only the ventricle. Patients will be placed into one of two groups. One group will have pacing of the atrium at a rate of 70 beats per minute (bpm). The other group will have only backup pacing of the ventricle programmed on. It is theorized that by pacing only the atrium of the heart at a rate of 70 bpm, the heart’s ability to pump ample blood supply may improve while also allowing for maximization of benefits from patients’ heart failure medications.

It is anticipated that a total of approximately 550 patients will participate in this study at some 30 different research sites. Potential candidates will be identified by the cardiologist based upon the diagnosis and need for ICD placement.

Adrian K. Almquist, MD, FACC

Charles C. Gornick, MD, FACC

Chuen Tang, MD, FACC

Karen S. Meyer, RN, CCRC

For more information about the DAVID II Trial at the Minneapolis Heart Institute and Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, please contact Karen Meyer at 612.863.5855.