Critical analysis of ineffective post implantation implantable cardioverter-defibrillator-testing

AIM To test of the implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator is done at the time of implantation. We investigate if any testing should be performed.METHODS All consecutive patients between January 2006 and December 2008 undergoing implantable cardioverterdefibrillator(ICD) implantation/replacement(a total of 634 patients) were included in the retrospective study.RESULTS Sixteen patients(2.5%) were not tested(9 with LA/LVthrombus, 7 due to operator's decision). Analyzed were 618 patients [76% men, 66.4 + 11 years, 24% secondary prevention(SP), 46% with left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) < 20%, 56% had coronary artery disease(CAD)] undergoing defibrillation safety testing(SMT) with an energy of 21 + 2.3 J. In 22/618 patients(3.6%) induced ventricular fibrillation(VF) could not be terminated with maximum energy of the ICD. Six of those(27%) had successful SMT after system modification or shock lead repositioning, 14 patients(64%) received a subcutaneous electrode array. Younger age(P = 0.0003), non-CAD(P = 0.007) and VF as index event for SP(P = 0.05) were associated with a higher incidence of ineffective SMT. LVEF < 20% and incomplete revascularisation in patients with CAD had no impact on SMT.CONCLUSION Defibrillation testing is well-tolerated. An ineffective SMT occurred in 4% and two third of those needed implantation of a subcutaneous electrode array to passa SMT > 10 J.

Small bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators:Outcome analysis using telemetry review

AIM:To determine if there were any interactions between cardiac devices and small bowel capsules secondary to electromagnetic interference (EMI) in patients who have undergone small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE).METHODS:Authors conducted a chart review of 20 patients with a cardiac pacemaker (CP) or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) who underwent continuous electrocardiographic monitoring during their SBCE from 2003-2008.authors searched for unexplained electrocardiogram (ECG) findings,changes in CP andICD set parameters,any abnormality in transmitted capsule data,and adverse clinical events.RESULTS:There were no adverse events or hemodynamically significant arrhythmias reported.CP and ICD set parameters were preserved.The majority of ECG abnormalities were also found in pre-or post-SBCE ECG tracings and the CP behavior during arrhythmias appeared appropriate.Two patients seemed to have episodes of undersensing by the CP.However,similar findings were documented in ECGs taken outside the time frame of the SBCE.One patient was observed to have a low signal encountered from the capsule resulting in lack of localization,but no images were lost.CONCLUSION:Capsule-induced EMI remains a possibility but is unlikely to be clinically important.CPinduced interference of SBCE is also possible,but is infrequent and does not result in loss of images transmitted by the capsule.

Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator: State-of-the art 2013

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator(S-ICD)has recently been approved for commercial use in Europe,New Zealand and the United States.It is comprised of a pulse generator,placed subcutaneously in a left lateral position,and a parasternal subcutaneous lead-electrode with two sensing electrodes separated by a shocking coil.Being an entirely subcutaneous system it avoids important periprocedural and long-term complications associated with transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator(TV-ICD)systems as well as the need for fluoroscopy during implant surgery.Suitable candidates include pediatric patients with congenital heart disease that limits intracavitary lead placements,those with obstructed venous access,chronic indwelling catheters or high infection risk,as well as young patients with electrical heart disease(e.g.,Brugada Syndrome,long QT syndrome,and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).Nevertheless,given the absence of intracavitary leads,the S-ICD is unable to offer pacing(apart from shortterm post-shock pacing).It is therefore not suitable in patients with an indication for antibradycardia pacing or cardiac resynchronization therapy,or with a history of repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardia that would benefit from antitachycardia pacing.Current data from initial clinical studies and post-commercialization"real-life"case series,including over 700 patients,have so far been promising and shown that the S-ICD successfully converts induced and spontaneous ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation episodes with associated complication and inappropriate shock rates similar to that of TV-ICDs.Furthermore,by using far-field electrograms better tachyarrhythmia discrimination when compared to TV-ICDs has been reported.Future results from ongoing clinical studies will determine the S-ICD system’s long-term performance,and better define suitable patient profiles.

Single lead catheter of implantable cardioverterdefibrillator with floating atrial sensing dipole implanted via persistent left superior vena cava

Persistent left superior vena cava(LSVC) is a congenital anomaly with 0.3%-1% prevalence in the general population. It is usually asymptomatic but in case of transvenous lead positioning, i.e., for pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD), may be a cause for significant complications or unsuccessful implantation. Single lead ICD with atrial sensing dipole(ICD DX) is a safe and functional technology in patients without congenital abnormalities. We provide a review of the literature and a case report of successful implantation of an ICD DX in a patient with LSVC and its efficacy in treating ventricular arrhythmias.

Interference between pacemakers/implantable cardioverter defibrillators and video capsule endoscopy

Our Letter to the Editor, related to the article "Small bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: Outcome analysis using telemetry" by Cuschieri et al , comments on some small errors, that slipped into the authors discussions. The given informations concerning the pacemakerand implantable cardioverter defibrillators modes were inaccurate and differ between the text and the table. Moreover, as 8 of 20 patient's pacemakers were programmed to VOO or DOO ("interference mode") and one patient was not monitored by telemetry during capsule endoscopy, 9 of 20 patients (45%) lack the informations of possible interference between capsule endoscopy their implanted device. Another objection refers to the interpretation of an electrocardiogram (figure 1, trace B) presented: in contrast to the author's opinion the marked spike should be interpreted as an artefact and not as "undersensing of a fibrillatory wave". Finally, three comments to cited reviews were not complete respectively not quoted correctly.

Remote monitoring of implantable defibrillators is associated with fewer inappropriate shocks and reduced time to medical assessment in a remote and rural area

BACKGROUND Implantable cardioverter defibrillators(ICDs)and cardiac resynchronisation therapy with defibrillators(CRT-D)reduce mortality in certain cardiac patient populations.However,inappropriate shocks pose a problem,having both adverse physical and psychological effects on the patient.The advances in device technology now allow remote monitoring(RM)of devices to replace clinic follow up appointments.This allows real time data to be analysed and actioned and this may improve patient care.AIM To determine if RM in patients with an ICD is associated with fewer inappropriate shocks and reduced time to medical assessment.METHODS This was a single centre,retrospective observational study,involving 156 patients implanted with an ICD or CRT-D,followed up for 2 years post implant.Both appropriate and inappropriate shocks were recorded along with cause for inappropriate shocks and time to medical assessment.RESULTS RM was associated with fewer inappropriate shocks(13.6%clinic vs 3.9%RM;P=0.030)and a reduced time to medical assessment(15.1±6.8 vs 1.0±0.0 d;P<0.001).CONCLUSION RM in patients with an ICD is associated with improved patient outcomes.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead-related methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis:Importance of heightened awareness

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) septicemia is associated with high morbidity and mortality especially in patients with immunosuppression,diabetes,renal disease and endocarditis.There has been an increase in implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices(CIED) with more cases of devicelead associated endocarditis been seen.A high index of suspicion is required to ensure patient outcomes are optimized.The excimer laser has been very efficient in helping to ensure successful lead extractions in patients with CIED infections.We present an unusual case report and literature review of MRSA septicemia from device-lead endocarditis and the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment.

Plasma big endothelin-1 is an effective predictor for ventricular arrythmias and end-stage events in primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator indication patients

Objective To investigate whether plasma big endothelin-1(ET-1) predicts ventricular arrythmias(VAs) and end-stage events in primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator(ICD) indication patigents. Methods In total, 207 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria from Fuwai Hospital between January 2013 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The cohort was divided into three groups according to baseline plasma big ET-1 tertiles: tertile 1(< 0.38 pmol/L, n = 68), tertile 2(0.38–0.7 pmol/L, n = 69), and tertile 3(> 0.7 pmol/L, n = 70). The primary endpoints were VAs. The secondary endpoints were end-stage events comprising all-cause mortality and heart transplantation. Results During a mean follow-up period of 25.6 ± 13.9 months, 38(18.4%) VAs and 78(37.7%) end-stage events occurred. Big ET-1 was positively correlated with NYHA class(r = 0.165, P = 0.018), serum creatinine concentration(Scr;r = 0.147, P = 0.034), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP;r = 0.217, P = 0.002), Lg NT-pro BNP(r = 0.463, P < 0.001), left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD;r = 0.234, P = 0.039) and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF;r =-0.181, P = 0.032). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that elevated big ET-1 was associated with increased risk of VAs and end-stage events(P < 0.05). In multivariate Cox regression models, big ET-1 was an independent risk factor for VAs(hazard ratio(HR) = 3.477, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.352–8.940, P = 0.010, tertile 2 vs. tertile 1;HR = 4.112, 95% CI: 1.604–10.540, P = 0.003, tertile 3 vs. tertile 1) and end-stage events(HR = 2.804, 95% CI: 1.354–5.806, P = 0.005, tertile 2 vs. tertile 1;HR = 4.652, 95% CI: 2.288–9.459, P < 0.001, tertile 3 vs. tertile 1). Conclusions In primary prevention ICD indication patients, plasma big ET-1 levels can predict VAs and end-stage events and may facilitate ICD-implantation risk stratification.

Cardiac embolism after implantable cardiac defibrillator shock in non-anticoagulated atrial fibrillation:The role of left atrial appendage occlusion

Cardioembolic events are one of the most feared complications in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF) and a formal contraindication to oral anticoagulation(OAC).The present case report describes a case of massive peripheral embolism after an implantable cardiac defibrillator(ICD) shock in a patient with NVAF and a formal contraindication to OAC due to previous intracranial hemorrhage.In order to reduce the risk of future cardioembolic events,the patient underwent percutaneous left atrial appendage(LAA) occlusion.A 25 mm AmplatzerTM Amulet was implanted and the patient was discharged the following day without complications.The potential risk of thrombus dislodgement after an electrical shock in patients with NVAF and no anticoagulation constitutes a particular scenario that might be associated with an additional cardioembolicrisk.Although LAA occlusion is a relatively new technique,its usage is rapidly expanding worldwide and constitutes a very valid alternative for patients with NVAF and a formal contraindication to OAC.

Experience on application of transveneous implantable MINI Ⅱ cardioverterdefibrillator for ventricular tachycardia due to right ventricular dysplasia:a report of a case

Objectics: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICI)is an important mean for treating ventricular tachycardia (VT ) in patients with structural heart diseases .This report deals with our primary experiences in cliical application of transveneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator.Metgids: A 13- year-old male patient with right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) ). who lhad a failed result from antiarrhythmic drug therapy was implanted with ICD transveneously. Results: During follow. up. the antitachycardia pacing (ATP) did not terminate the first 2 episodes of VT. The episodes of VT were reverted into sinus rhythm by 4 J shock. The patient had a strong uncomfortable sensation :After resettin ATP program . VTs of patient were automaticallly terminated by ICD with ATP therapy many times. Conclusion: ICD implantation is an effective approach for treating VT and reasonable resetting of ATP is needed.

Antitachycardia pacing programming in implantable cardioverter defibrillator:A systematic review

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD) programminginvolves several parameters. In recent years antitachycardia pacing(ATP) has gained an increasing importance in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, whether slow or fast. It reduces the number of unnecessary and inappropriate shocks and improves both patient's quality of life and device longevity. There is no clear indication regarding the type of ATP to be used, except for the treatment of fast ventricular tachycardias(188 bpm-250 bpm) where it has been shown a greater efficacy and safety of burst compared to ramp; 8 impulses in each sequence of ATP appears to be the best programming option in this setting. Beyond ATP use, excellent clinical results were obtained with programming standardization following these principles: extended detection time in ventricular fibrillation(VF) zone; supraventricular discrimination criteria up to 200 bpm; first shock in VF zone at the maximum energy in order to reduce the risk of multiple shocks. The MADIT-RIT trial and some observational registries have also recently demonstrated that programming with a widespread use of ATP, higher cut-off rates or delayed intervention reduces the number of inappropriate and unnecessary therapies and improves the survival of patients during mid-term follow-up.

Induced atrial fibrillation during defibrillation test on implantation of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator(S-ICD)has become an alternative to the transvenous ICD in indicated patients.However,inappropriate shock or failed ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation conversion is the most alarming complication of S-ICD.Therefore,defibrillation test(DFT)is recommended for the S-ICD implantation.

Anesthetic management of patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator with a hand fracture

A 26-year-old male with a history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM) and ventricular arrhythmias s/p automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator(AICD) placement presented for open reduction and internal fixation of an open third metacarpal fracture and extensor tendon repair. He underwent successful surgery after placement of an ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block with ropivacaine 0.5% as the main anesthetic. This case report discusses the anesthetic management of patients with HCM and AICD, different approaches available for brachial plexus blockade, and potential complications of anesthesia and surgery in this group of patients.

Electrochemotherapy and heart function:Treatment in a patient with implantable cardioverter defibrillator/pacemaker

Electrochemotherapy(ECT) is a recently described therapy that relies on the permeation of cancer cell membranes by electrical pulses to enhance cytotoxic drug penetration. It has been successfully used in the treatment of primary and metastatic skin cancer. Systemic chemotherapy is the most commonly used therapeutic strategy, and the prevailing orientation calls for the administration of the maximum tolerated dose; however, considerable limitations exist including toxicities to healthy tissues and low achievable drug concentrations at tumor sites. We reported a case of an 83-years-old patient with a laterocervical metastasis of a squamous epidermoidal lip cancer. The patient had a complex medical history and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD)/pace-maker. The lesion was localized in the supraclavicular right side with a distance from the pace-maker/ICD about 5 cm, but the nodule was not deeply located. The ECT was performed un-der general anesthesia and particular attention we put on the interference with the functioning of the heart. The synchronization algorithm currently implemented in Clinoporator Vitae device coupled with the external triggering device Accu Sync proved to be effective in preventing external stimulation of the heart during the so-called vulnerable period of the ventricles. As a result all electroporation pulses in our study were delivered outside the vulnerable period and no heart arrhythmias or any other pathological morphological changes were observed. The safety of treatment was demonstrated also by absence of side effects during and after ECT.

Prospective evaluation of health status, quality of life and clinical outcomes following implantable defibrillator generator exchange

BACKGROUND Little is known about health status and quality of life(QoL)after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator(ICD)generator exchange(GE).METHODS We prospectively followed patients undergoing first-time ICD GE.Serial assessments of health status were performed by administering the 36-Item Short Form Survey(SF-36).RESULTS Mean age was 67.5±14.3 years,left ventricle ejection fraction(LVEF)was 36.5%±15.0%and over 40%of the cohort had improved LVEF to>35%at the time of GE.SF-36 scores were significantly worse in physical/general health domains compared to domains of emotional/social well-being(P<0.001 for each comparison).Physical health scores were significantly worse among those with medical comorbidities including diabetes,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation.Mean follow-up was 1.6±0.5 years after GE.Overall SF-36 scores remained stable across all domains during follow-up.Survival at 3 years post-GE was estimated at 80%.Five patients died during follow-up and most deaths were adjudicated as non-arrhythmic in origin.Four patients experienced appropriate ICD shocks after GE,three of whom had LVEF which remains impaired LVEF(i.e.,<35%)at the time of GE.CONCLUSION Patients undergoing ICD GE have significantly worse physical health compared to emotional/social well-being,which is associated with the presence of medical comorbidities.In terms of clinical outcomes,the incidence of appropriate shocks after GE among those with improvement in LVEF is very low,and most deaths post-procedure appear to be non-arrhythmic in origin.These data represent an attempt to more fully characterize the spectrum of QoL and clinical outcomes after GE.

NYHA Class II or III Heart Failure: Who Will Need an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)?

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the most debilitating and life-threatening complications of heart failure (HF) which has challenged medical care for long. Current guidelines suggest the use of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in primary prevention of SCD in both New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and class III heart failure. This paper critically evaluated the evidence underlying the guideline recommendation. In contrast to recent guidelines, the majority of the intervention trials conducted on the topic till date found a promising role of ICD only in the prevention of SCD in NYHA class II HF. One of the trials which found a significant role of ICD in type III heart failure was underpowered. Thus, further trials are needed to validate the use of ICD in the prevention of SCD in type III HF.

Prophylactic use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in the elderly population

Introduction Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for approximately 300,000 deaths each year in the United States. Ventricular fibrillation, as the initial event, had been reported in 65%-85% of these patients.1 An implantable cardioverterdefibrillator (ICD) is the single most effective life saving device to date. The advances in medicine and technology have led to wide spread utilization of defibrillators in developed countries.

Remote monitoring of implantable cardioverters defibrillators:a comparison of acceptance between octogenarians and younger patients

Background Remote monitoring(RM)is increasingly employed for all types of cardiac implantable devices(CIED).However,there are only limited data on the acceptance of RM by the elderly.The aim of our study was to ascertain how octogenarians assess RM technologies compared to younger,presumably technically more literate patients,and what concerns or technical problems the system presents to both groups of patients.Methods The trial was designed as a descriptive,register-based single-center study.The study population consisted of all consecutive patients≥80 years of age(group A,n=94)and all consecutive patients aged≤40 years(group B,n=71),who had undergone implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator(ICD)between the years of 2009 and 2018 and were using a Home Monitoring?(HM,Biotronik,Berlin,Germany)system.All patients fulfilling entry criteria were approached with a request to participate in the survey.Results A total of 85(90.4%)and 65(91.5%)valid surveys were obtained for groups A and B,respectively.Ninety-two percent of patients in both groups(P=0.903)were satisfied with the limited number of planned ambulatory follow-ups(i.e.,once a year).All patients in both groups(100%)reported that they were satisfied with the HM system,and 97%and 94%of patients in Groups A and B,respectively,ranked it highly beneficial(P=0.68).A significant proportion of patients in both groups were completely unaware of any health-related benefits associated with the use of the HM system(42%in Group A vs.49%in Group B,P=0.4).Among the most frequently reported personal benefits of HM were a sense of safety and security and savings on travel expenses and time.5%and 9%of patients in Groups A and B,respectively,reported that usage of HM caused them some degree of psychological stress(P=0.27).Nearly all patients in both groups reported receiving information on HM from their doctor after ICD implantation.None of Group A reported receiving information from a nurse either before or after ICD implantation,while 14%of Group B patients reported receiving information from a nurse after,but not before ICD implantation.Seven and 51%(P<0.0001)of patients in Group A and B,respectively,sought additional information about HM post-discharge.Conclusions The HM system received good marks and was much appreciated,even in patients over 80 years of age.The level of acceptance and potential psychological stress resulting from RM technology appears to be about the same in older patients as in younger patients.The majority of octogenarians either did not fully understand the clinical benefits of the system or mistakenly thought that the HM system was a substitute for emergency 24-h surveillance.These results highlight the need for better patient education relative to RM technology,with one option being to delegate more of this educational process to specially trained nurses.

Implantable cardiac defibrillators in octogenarians

OBJECTIVE Implantable cardiac defibrillators(ICD)implantation in the very elderly remains controversial.We aimed to describe the experience and outcome of patients over 80 years old implanted with an ICD in Belgium.METHODS Data were extracted from the national QERMID-ICD registry.All implantations performed in octogenarians between February 2010 and March 2019 were analysed.Data on baseline patient characteristics,type of prevention,device configuration and all-cause mortality were available.To determine predictors of mortality,multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression modelling was performed.RESULTS Nationwide,704 primo ICD implantations were performed in octogenarians(median age 82,IQR 81-83 years;83% male and 45% secondary prevention).During a mean follow-up of 3.1±2.3 years,249(35%)patients died,of which 76(11%)within the first year after implantation.In multivariable Cox regression analysis age(HR=1.15,P=0.004),oncological history(HR=2.43,P=0.027)and secondary prevention(HR=2.23,P=0.001)were independently associated with 1-year mortality.A better preserved left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)was associated with a better outcome(HR=0.97,P=0.002).Regarding overall mortality multivariable analysis withheld age,history of atrial fibrillation,centre volume and oncological history as significant predictors.Higher LVEF was again protective(HR=0.99,P=0.008).CONCLUSIONS Primary ICD implantation in octogenarians is not often performed in Belgium.Among this population,11%died within the first year after ICD implantation.Advanced age,oncological history,secondary prevention and a lower LVEF were associated with an increased one-year mortality.Age,low LVEF,atrial fibrillation,centre volume and oncological history were indicative of higher overall mortality.

Think twice before implanting leads in a swimmer:challenges in lead implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

An 84-year-old male patient with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD)was admitted due to an alarming sound of his ICD.He had a left-sided,dual chamber,dual-coil ICD implanted 7 years ago due to ischemic cardiomyopathy and sick sinus disease.