Abstract

SummaryThe wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is a temporary treatment option for patients with potentially reversible risk of sudden cardiac death. This case demonstrates a pitfall during WCD usage in a pacemaker-dependent patient as well as a possible solution allowing continuation of WCD therapy. Bipolar stimulation may lead to double counting of the WCD detection algorithm resulting in false alarm or inappropriate therapy.

Highlights

  • A 52-year-old man was referred to our institution with progressive dyspoea on exertion (New York Health Association NYHA class III)

  • The family history was negative for cardiovascular diseases, sudden cardiac death and syncope

  • The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) was programmed to a ventricular tachycardia (VT) detection zone at 200 bpm and the ventricular fibrillation (VF) detection zone to 250 bpm before the patient was discharged from hospital 2 weeks after admission with an ejection fraction (EF) of 20% and in NYHA class II

Read more

Summary

Introduction

During follow-up, the patient was pacemakerdependent (right ventricular pacing 100%, no intrinsic QRS complexes at an intervention rate of 30/min) and since echocardiography had shown a newly detected Austria martin.manninger-wuenscher@medunigraz.at severely reduced ejection fraction, the patient was referred to our institution for coronary angiography and endomyocardial biopsy. Recordings from the LifeVest Network showed oversensing of sinus tachycardia with large P waves and broad QRS complexes due to ventricular stimulation between 90 and 110 bpm during all alarm episodes (VAT mode, bipolar pacing at 3.0 V/0.4 ms at a threshold of 0.375 V/0.4 ms) (Fig. 1).

Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call