Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Diagnostic, pharmacological, and ablation approaches for idiopathic ventricular fibrillation: the 2024 European Heart Rhythm Association survey
Authors' conclusion
This survey highlights a significant heterogeneity of the diagnostic approach to IVF with underuse of crucial examinations. In line with guideline recommendation, drug therapy is more often considered as first-line therapy and ablation as second-line therapy for recurrent ICD shocks. However, quinidine is considered as drug of choice by <25% of respondents.
Study context
- Population
- Physicians across European Society of Cardiology (ESC) countries managing idiopathic VF (idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF))
- Participants
- 206 physicians · 41 countries
- Outcome
- Current practice in diagnostic assessment and therapeutic management of IVF and adherence to 2022 ESC guidelines
Methodological detailsphysician-based survey, online 24-item questionnaire, European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)
- Physician-based survey
- Online 24-item questionnaire
- EHRA
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Full diagnostic assessment of IVF (coronary angiogram/cardiac CT, ECG monitoring, exercise stress test, pharmacological challenges, CMR)
- 71 (35%)
- CMR
- 51%
- Sodium channel blocker test
- 34%
- Genetic testing
- 43%
- Preferred first-line strategy for recurrent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks: drug therapy
- 88%
- Preferred strategy after first-line failure: ablation
- 53%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Diagnostic, pharmacological, and ablation approaches for idiopathic ventricular fibrillation: the 2024 European Heart Rhythm Association survey. Europace. Published 21 May 2025. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it