REnal SympathetiC Denervation to sUpprEss Tachyarrhythmias in ICD Recipients

The objective of this trial is to determine the efficacy and safety of adjunctive catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation (RSDN) in the primary prevention of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy in patients with ischemic or non-ischemic ventricular dysfunction, who are to receive an ICD for either i) secondary prevention, or ii) primary prevention + inducible ventricular tachycardia (VT) by programmed ventricular stimulation at the time of ICD implantation. These patients will be randomized to ICD alone or ICD + RSDN.

Rationale for this Study

Despite significant advances in the management of ventricular arrhythmias through the use of ICD therapy, anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs), and catheter-based ablation strategies, considerable challenges remain. The optimal method for the prevention of ICD shocks remains unclear. RSDN may be an effective tool for preventing ventricular arrhythmias, and associated ICD therapies, by reducing central sympathetic tone, catecholamine levels, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Although RSDN has been shown to reduce the recurrence of VT in a case report of 2 patients suffering from electrical storm, to date no large prospective randomized study has evaluated the impact of RSDN in the primary prevention of ICD therapy in patients with ischemic or non-ischemic ventricular dysfunction. Also of note, there is data suggesting that RSDN may even decrease the rate of supraventricular arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Thus, RESCUE will specifically evaluate the safety and efficacy of RSDN in the prevention of ICD therapy in patients with ventricular dysfunction who are to receive an ICD for either secondary prevention, or primary prevention if they have inducible VT by programmed ventricular stimulation at the time of ICD implantation.

Description of Procedures

Screening:

To take part in this study, you must meet all study requirements. The screening visit tests and procedures are done to see if you are eligible to be in the study. The study doctor will review these with you and let you know if you qualify. The study doctor will make a final decision about your possible study qualification.

Pre-randomization Procedures:

After providing written consent the following data will be collected and examinations and tests performed:

* A physical examination
* Your blood pressure will be taken
* A review of your medical history and what medications you are taking
* A blood sample will be drawn for routine laboratory tests.
* Women who can have children will take a urine pregnancy test. The test must be negative for you to be in this study.
* A Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)-a non-invasive test where a probe is placed on the chest wall and images are taken through the chest wall of the heart valves and heart muscle, that will measure the left ventricular size (heart wall thickness) and mitral inflow (flow of blood through the heart valve).
* An ICD interrogation (if you already have an ICD implanted) - a non-invasive test where a device is placed over the chest wall near your ICD, and data is transmitted wirelessly from your ICD to a laptop for your physician to review.
* An electrocardiogram (EKG) - a non-invasive test where several probes are placed on the chest wall that will measure electrical activity in your heart.

Randomization:

Immediately following the catheter ablation, patients will undergo a renal angiogram in order to assess suitability for catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation. A renal angiogram is an x-ray study of the blood vessels in the kidney to evaluate for blockage, and abnormalities that could be affecting the blood supply to the kidney. It is performed by injecting contrast dye through a catheter (a tiny tube) into the blood vessels of the kidney. The study doctor will assess whether the renal arteries are suitable to receive catheter-based renal denervation. Once you agree to participate in this study, by signing this informed consent, and are it is determined that you are eligible to participate you will be randomized to one of two treatment groups immediately following the renal angiogram.

Randomization means that you are put into a group by chance. It is like flipping a coin. You will have an equal chance (50%) of being placed in either group. This study design is single-blinded; you will not know ahead of time which group you will be in. Only your physician will know which group you are randomized to.

If you do not already have an ICD, you will undergo ICD placement as part of routine clinical care. You may undergo ICD placement up to 1 month (30 days) before randomization. An ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) is a small battery-powered electrical impulse generator which is implanted in patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. The device is programmed to detect abnormal heart beats (cardiac arrhythmia) and correct it by delivering a jolt of electricity.

The first group will undergo catheter-based sympathetic renal denervation. Renal Sympathetic Denervation is a procedure that uses a catheter probe inserted into the renal (kidney) artery that deactivates the nerves that are linked to high blood pressure.

The second group (control group) will receive no further intervention after ICD implantation.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years of age
* Structural heart disease (post-MI, dilated cardiomyopathy, sarcoid myopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, etc.)
* Planned for ICD implantation for:

  * i. Secondary prevention (eg: VT/VF arrest, sustained VT, syncope/inducible VT)
  * ii. Primary prevention + inducible MMVT during induction via ICD lead testing
* Accessibility of renal vasculature (determined by renal angiography)
* Ability to understand the requirements of the study
* Willingness to adhere to study restrictions and comply with all post- procedural follow-up requirements

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient taking a Class I or III antiarrhythmic drug.
* Planned to undergo a cardiac VT ablation procedure
* NYHA Class IV Congestive Heart Failure
* MI within 30 days
* Known renovascular abnormalities that would preclude RSDN (eg, renal artery stenosis, previous renal artery stenting or angioplasty)
* Baseline orthostatic hypotension
* End stage renal failure on dialysis
* Life expectancy \<1 year for any medical condition
* Known pregnancy or positive β-HCG within 7 days of procedure.
* Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) within 30 days of the procedure