Ablation versus defibrillator device for heart rhythm problems

This trial compares two treatment options for people who have experienced dangerous irregular heartbeats due to prior heart attacks. You would receive either ablation therapy (a procedure that uses heat to fix the problematic heart tissue) or an implantable defibrillator device (a small device placed under your skin that can detect and correct dangerous rhythms). Researchers want to learn which approach works better for people whose heart's pumping function is only mildly reduced.

Doctors aren't sure which treatment is best for your specific situation — people whose hearts are still pumping reasonably well but have had dangerous irregular heartbeats. Recent evidence suggests that ablation therapy may reduce repeat episodes and even death risk, but it's never been directly compared to a defibrillator device in this patient group.