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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A MEDIAN FOLLOW-UP OF TWENTY-TWO MONTHS FOR CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR IMPLANTATION IN SYMPTOMATIC OR ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS WITH BRUGADA SYNDROME

Objective To explore the outcome of patients with Brugada syndrome by remedial or prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator （ ICD ） for ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Methods Sixteen single chamber ICDs and 5 double chamber ICDs in 21 consecutive patients [ 17 males, 4 females; mean age, （ 36 ± 11） years ] with Brugada syndrome were involved. Fifteen patients with spontaneous or induced ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation （VT/VF） received the remedial and prophylactic ICD implantation. Six patients only with positive family history or syncope accepted the ICD implantation for prophylaxis. Results After a median follow-up of （22.3 ± 13. 4） months, all patients were alive. One patient was suspected with febrile syndrome due to endocarditis on the auricular face of the lead of defibrillator 18 months after 1CD implantation and disappearance of vegetation was found after receiving one-month antibiotic treatment. Nine appropriate ICD interventions took place in 3 individuals with documented spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias. Multivariable analysis suggested that occurrence of appropriate interventions was related to the spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias （ P 〈 0. 0001 ）. Eleven inappropriate ICD interventions occurred in 3 patients for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter with rapid ventricular rate. Multivariable analysis suggested that occurrence of inappropriate interventions was related to documented spontaneous supraventricular arrhythmias （P 〈 O. 0062 ）. All appropriate interventions and inappropriate interventions occurred within six months after ICD implantation. Conclusion Appropriate interventions may associate to spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias before 1CD implantation in patients with Brugada syndrome. Patients may suffer from inappropriate ICD intervention for supraventricular arrhythmias with rapid ventricular rate when they had a history of supraventricular arrhythmias.

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.

心力衰竭患者ICD植入治疗替代决策者决策困境现状及影响因素

目的调查心力衰竭患者植入型心律转复除颤器(ICD)植入治疗替代决策者的决策困境现状及影响因素。方法选取2020年4月至2023年3月在郑州大学第一附属医院心力衰竭中心就诊的ICD植入治疗患者及其替代决策者为调查对象,收集患者及代理决策者的社会人口学资料及患者疾病相关资料,由研究者代理患者填写中文简化版堪萨斯城心肌病问卷(KCCQ),由替代决策者填写决策困境量表、决策参与期待量表、维克森林医师信任量表、领悟社会支持量表和状态焦虑问卷,分析状态焦虑得分、维克森林医师信任得分、领悟社会支持得分、心力衰竭患者健康状况与决策困境的相关性,分析人口学特征与疾病特征与决策困境的关系,通过多重线性回归分析决策困境的影响因素。结果共纳入148例心力衰竭ICD植入治疗患者的替代决策者,决策者决策困境得分为(36.03±8.79)分,70.95%的替代决策者得分≥25分,存在决策困境;单因素分析结果显示决策困境的影响因素包括替代决策者年龄、受教育程度、婚姻、月收入、替代决策者角色、与患者关系、疾病了解程度、患者医疗保险类型、是否参与决策、病程等(P<0.05)。相关性分析结果显示:患者健康水平(KCCQ得分)、替代决策者焦虑水平、对医生的信任水平、社会支持水平与决策困境相关(P<0.05)。多重线性回归结果显示决策困境的影响因素包括替代决策者焦虑水平、对医生的信任水平、社会支持水平、月收入及患者病程。结论大多数心力衰竭患者ICD植入治疗替代决策者存在决策困境,医护人员在进行ICD植入手术知情同意沟通时应关注替代决策者的心理特征、调动决策者的社会支持力量,采用适当的沟通技巧,必要时采取决策辅助工具进行决策辅助。

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.

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.

Impact of LDB3 gene polymorphisms on clinical presentation and implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD) implantation in Chinese patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Objective:Mutations in LIM domain binding 3(LDB3)gene cause idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy(IDCM),a structural heart disease with a complicated genetic background.However,the association of polymorphisms in the LDB3 gene with susceptibility to IDCM in Chinese populations remains unexplored as dose the impact on clinical presentation.Methods:We sequenced all exons and the adjacent part of introns of the LDB3 gene in 159 Chinese Han IDCM patients and 247 healthy controls.Then we detected the distribution of polymorphisms in the LDB3 gene in all participants and assessed their associations with risk of IDCM.Additionally,we conducted a stratified genotype–phenotype correlation analysis.Results:The A allele of rs4468255 was significantly associated with IDCM(P<0.01).The rs4468255,rs11812601,rs56165849,and rs3740346 were also associated with diastolic blood pressure(DBP)and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(P<0.05).Notably,a higher frequency of rs4468255 polymorphism was observed in implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD)recipients under a recessive model(P<0.01),whereas the significant association disappeared after adjusting for potential confounders.However,in the dominant model,notable correlations could only be observed after adjusting for multi parameters.Conclusions:The rs4468255 was significantly correlated with IDCM of Chinese Han population.A allele of rs4468255 is higher in IDCM patients with ICD implantation,suggesting the influence of genetic background in the generation of this response.In addition,rs11812601,rs56165849,and rs3740346 in LDB3 show association with brain natriuretic peptide,DBP,and LVEF levels in patients with IDCM but did not show any association with IDCM susceptibility.

优化药物治疗慢性缺血性心力衰竭及ICD植入状况分析

目的 评价慢性缺血性心力衰竭优化药物治疗效果及植入式心律转复除颤器（ICD）植入状况。方法 纳入2015年1~10月心内科收治的射血分数（EF）≤0.40的慢性缺血性心力衰竭患者81例,接受优化药物治疗3个月后评估EF和脑钠肽（BNP）变化,并分析ICD植入状况。结果 共76例患者完成治疗和随访,EF值较治疗前显著升高,BNP较治疗前显著降低,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。有ICD适应证患者植入ICD比例仅29%。结论 优化药物治疗可改善缺血性心力衰竭患者心功能,但ICD植入比例严重不足。

ICD围术期未停口服抗凝药的临床观察和护理

目的探讨植入型心律转复除颤器(ICD)围术期未停口服抗凝药的临床观察和护理。方法回顾ICD植入术35例患者,其中围术期未停抗凝药15例,总结护理要点和并发症的处理方法。结果 35例行ICD植入术患者均痊愈出院,随访患者无不良反应和并发症。结论术前全面评估患者围术期是否停用或替代抗凝剂,同时做好患者教育及凝血监测工作,术后严密观察术区情况,发现异常及时处理。

ICD、CRT、CRT-D对猝死高危人群的疗效比较

目的对比植入型心脏复律除颤器(ICD)、心室再同步(CRT)和心室再同步心脏复律除颤器(CRT-D)在心性猝死高危患者中的疗效及实施技术的可行性与合理性.方法采用逐步纳入研究的方法连续收集109例心性猝死高危患者,分别植入ICD55例,CRT46例,CRT-D 9例.记录患者术前、术后临床相关资料及心功能评价指标等,所有资料进行自身对比与组间比较.结果ICD、CRT-D和CRT组手术成功率分别为100%、100%和86.9%.术后随访5～101(平均29±18)月,ICD组7例死亡(12.7%),CRT组14例死亡(35.0%),CRT-D组无死亡.植入ICD和CRT-D的63例患者中,37例共发生951次室性心动过速(VT)/心室颤动(VF)事件,除1次因电池耗竭失败外,均被ICD/CRT-D有效纠治.植入CRT/CRT-D的49例患者中,37例的左室射血分数(LVEF)、6 min步行距离(6MWT)、心功能分级和左室舒张末内径(LVEDD)等心功能评价指标较术前有不同程度改善且持续致随访结束(75.5%),11例心功能改善,但未持续至随访结束(22.4%).3组患者生活质量(QOL)评分均较术前提高.结论ICD、CRT、CRT-D均对猝死高危患者有明显的保护作用,ICD更适合于充血性心力衰竭(CHF)较轻但有VT/VF发作史或高发倾向的患者,CRT更适合于CHF较重的患者,CRT-D应作为严重心脏器质性疾病有猝死高危患者的首选治疗.

三腔ICD临床应用5例报告

目的 三腔ICD治疗5例心衰同时合并室性心动过速结果分析．方法 应用三腔ICD治疗5例心衰同时合并室性心动过速（简称室速）患者，4例为原发性扩张型心脏病，1例为冠心病，2例有昏厥史．4例植入INSYNC 7272埋藏式心脏转复除颤器（ICD），1例植入V-350ICD．结果 随访时间1～14月，心功能得到改善，未发生室速，均未发生昏厥，5例中1例出现室性心动过速和心室颤动发作（简称室颤）均被ICD识别并进行放电除颤治疗，挽救了患者的生命．结论 三腔ICD是治疗猝死、致死性心律失常和心衰的有效措施。