Analysis of possible reasons of premature battery depletion in patients implanted with cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator device

Abstract

Objective To analyze the possible reasons of premature battery depletion in patients implanted with cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) device. Methods All patients with CRT-D device implanted between 2005 and 2009 at the People's Liberation Army General Hospital were followed up. All patients with premature battery depletion were studied further. Results Five cases (15.2%, mean age 55 years) with premature battery depletion were identified among 33 patients implanted with CRT-D device. The longevity of 5 premature depletion devices were as follows: 33, 44, 35, 41 and 47 months (median 40 months). The pacing mode were VVI, DDD, DDD, DDD and DDD, and percentage of ventricular pacing were 99%, 99%, 93%, 86% and 96%. The output of left ventricular lead were 4.0 V (0.4 ms), 3.5 V(0.6 ms), 3.5 V (0.4 ms), 5.0 V (0.4 ms) and 5.0 V (0.7 ms). Among the above patients, two suffered from frequent inappropriate shocks. Conclusions The incidence of premature battery depletion is 15.2% in patients implanted with CRT-D device in our center. No common mechanism has been identified for this failure. Close monitoring of battery voltage and individual parameter alteration are required in patients with these devices. Key words: Cardiac resynchronization therapy; Pacemaker, artificial; Defibrillators, implantable; Premature battery depletion