Rationale and study design of the MINERVA study: Multicentre Investigation of Novel Electrocardiogram Risk markers in Ventricular Arrhythmia prediction-UK multicentre collaboration.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to assess the ability of two new ECG markers (Regional Repolarisation Instability Index (R2I2) and Peak Electrical Restitution Slope) to predict sudden cardiac death (SCD) or ventricular arrhythmia (VA) events in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention indication.

Methods And Analysis: Multicentre Investigation of Novel Electrocardiogram Risk markers in Ventricular Arrhythmia prediction is a prospective, open label, single blinded, multicentre observational study to establish the efficacy of two ECG biomarkers in predicting VA risk. 440 participants with ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing routine first time implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation for primary prevention indication are currently being recruited.

Quantifying the challenges of specialty training: the 2013 British Junior Cardiologists' Association survey.

The British Junior Cardiologists' Association surveyed members to analyse their perception and experience of training. Cardiology trainees perceive significant limitations with the current training structure. This article gives suggestions which could lead to improvements in training and patient care.