Study Evaluating Dexmedetomidine in the Acute Treatment of Electrical Storm
Key facts
- Where
- Ottawa, CanadaSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 3
Where in Canada
- University of Ottawa Heart InstituteOttawa, CanadaContact: F Daniel Ramirez, MDTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
- Trial code
- NCT06281977
- Record updated
- 7 July 2026
- Original description
The objective of this study is to determine if there is a meaningful benefit to using the sedative medication dexmedetomidine in the acute treatment of patients with recurrent ventricular arrhythmias, known as electrical storm. This will be a multi-centre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients with electrical storm will be randomized to receive 48 to 72 hours of dexmedetomidine or placebo as part of their initial treatment in an intensive care unit.Read full original descriptionShow less
The objective of this study is to determine if there is a meaningful benefit to using the sedative medication dexmedetomidine in the acute treatment of patients with recurrent ventricular arrhythmias, known as electrical storm. This will be a multi-centre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients with electrical storm will be randomized to receive 48 to 72 hours of dexmedetomidine or placebo as part of their initial treatment in an intensive care unit.
Inclusion: All patients admitted to an intensive care unit with electrical storm over the age of 18 years will be approached for enrollment.
Exclusion: Cardiac arrest(s) with a no-flow and low-flow total time of greater than 10 minutes prior to recruitment; Patients who have received dexmedetomidine or clonidine during the 24 hours prior to randomization; Refractory shock lasting for more than 30 minutes unrelated to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), defined as requiring two or more vasopressors; ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-induced VA with signs of active ischemia; Bradycardia with heart rate less than 40 beats per minute, bradycardia-induced ventricular tachyarrhythmia, second degree Mobitz type 2 or greater atrioventricular block in the absence of a pacemaker; Known dexmedetomidine allergy or intolerance; SCAI class D or E cardiogenic shock; Pregnancy; Inability to obtain consent from patient or substitute decision maker.