A randomized study to compare ramp versus burst antitachycardia pacing therapies to treat fast ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: the PITAGORA ICD trial.

Background: In patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), antitachycardia pacing (ATP) is highly effective in terminating fast ventricular tachycardias (FVTs) and lowers the use of high-energy shocks, without increasing the risk of arrhythmia acceleration or syncope.

Methods And Results: The aim of the PITAGORA ICD trial was to randomly compare 2 ATP strategies (88% coupling interval burst versus 91% coupling interval ramp, both 8 pulses) in terms of ATP efficacy, arrhythmia acceleration, and syncope. Two hundred six ICD patients (83% male, 67+/-11 years) were enrolled.

Randomized comparison between Ramp and Burst+ atrial antitachycardia pacing therapies in patients suffering from sinus node disease and atrial fibrillation and implanted with a DDDRP device.

Aims: Atrial tachycardia and flutter frequently occur in association with atrial fibrillation and may be treated by overdrive pacing in patients who receive pacemakers with antitachycardia pacing (ATP) capabilities. The PITAGORA trial was a multi-centre, randomized, cross-over study aimed at comparing two different ATP modes for atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) termination in patients suffering from sinus node disease (SND).

Methods And Results: One hundred and seventy-six patients (72 M, age 71+/-9 years) received a Medtronic AT500 pacemaker.