Critical appraisal of programmed electrical stimulation for evaluating hearts prone to ventricular tachyarrhythmias

Programmed electrical stimulation has provided a unique new opportunity to evaluate both mechanisms and treatment regimens aimed at preventing ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The variable results that have been reported from different laboratories, undoubtedly are due in part to the differences in programmed electrical stimulation protocols. Although it is unlikely that all laboratories will adapt the same programmed electrical stimulation protocol, it nevertheless is very important that the number of sites of stimulation, stimulus strength, stimulus duration, stimulus polarity, drive train length, and patient population all be listed in order for some comparison between laboratories to be made.