Antiarrhythmic properties of ivabradine in an experimental model of Short-QT- Syndrome

The If channel inhibitor ivabradine is recommended for treatment of chronic heart failure. However, ivabradine also inhibits human ether-a-go-go (hERG) mediated potassium currents. The aim of the present study was to assess the electrophysiologic effects of ivabradine in an experimental model of short-QT-syndrome. 12 rabbit hearts were isolated and Langendorff-perfused. After obtaining baseline data, pinacidil, an IK-ATP channel opener, was infused (1μM). Eight endo- and epicardial monophasic action potentials and a 12-lead ECG showed a significant abbreviation of QT interval (-32ms,p