Cambridge Heart has presented the results of a clinical study at the 29th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Belgian Society of Cardiology in Brussels, Belgium, reinforcing the value of the Microvolt T-wave Alternans (MTWA) as an accurate non-invasive test to identify patients at risk of arrhythmic events and sudden cardiac death (SCD).
The study, conducted at Jolimont Hospital in Haine Saint Paul, Belgium, prospectively evaluated MTWA in 73 consecutive patients who met criteria for implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation for primary prevention of SCD.
At a mean follow-up time of 39 months, the incidence of arrhythmic events in patients with an abnormal MTWA test was 7.6 times that for patients who tested negative. Sudden cardiac death was 4.8 times more common in those with an abnormal MTWA result.
Antoine de Meester, lead author of the study, said: “The aim of the study was to find a test with a good predictive value in terms of life-threatening arrhythmic events. Results show that Microvolt T-wave Alternans is that test.”
Ali Haghighi-Mood, president and chief executive officer of Cambridge Heart, said: “These results further confirm the value of MTWA as a predictor of sudden cardiac death in the primary prevention population. This new data is a significant contribution to the well-established body of literature which supports the use of MTWA for risk stratification.”
Cambridge Heart develops and commercializes non-invasive diagnostic tests for cardiac disease, with a focus on identifying those at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The company’s products incorporate proprietary Microvolt T-Wave Alternans measurement technologies, including the patented Analytic Spectral Method and ultrasensitive disposable electrode sensors. The company’s MTWA test, based on research conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is reimbursed by Medicare under its National Coverage Policy.