Primary Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator Research Articles

Risk of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmic Events in Patients Who Improved BeyondGuidelines for a Defibrillator inMADIT-CRT.

This study assessed the arrhythmic risk of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patients who improved beyond Heart Rhythm Society/European Society of Cardiology guidelines for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) (ischemic cardiomyopathy: left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] >35% or New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class I and if LVEF was 31% to 35%; nonischemic cardiomyopathy: LVEF >35% or NYHA functional class I and if LVEF was≤35%). It is currently unknown whether protection with a defibrillator is still warranted in patients who respond to CRT. This study compared the risk of ICD therapy for any ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA) and for fast VTA (≥200 beats/min) among patients implanted with a CRT with a defibrillator (CRT-D) in the MADIT-CRT (Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy) (N=734) who improved at 1year beyond guideline recommendations for primary ICD therapy (group A) with those who remained within guideline recommendations for an ICD at 1 year (group B). Most patients implanted with a CRT-D device improved at 1 year beyond guideline indications for an ICD(90%). Multivariate analysis showed lower risks for any VTA and fast VTA among group A patients versus group Bpatients(57% risk reduction; p=0.0006 and 46% risk reduction; p=0.068, respectively). However, the 2-year rates of any VTA and fast VTA among CRT patients who improved beyond guidelines indications for an ICD was still substantial (VTA: 13% and 29%, and fast VTA: 7% and 16%, respectively). Most patients with mild heart failure implanted with a CRT device experience an improvement in left ventricular function and/or NYHA functional class beyond guideline recommendations for primary ICD therapy. However,despite this pronounced CRT response, there remains a substantial VTA risk, and protection with a defibrillator may stillbe warranted in this population.

Arrhythmic burden among asymptomatic patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

The clinical benefit of primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in asymptomatic patients (New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class I) with ischemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction is continually disputed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias, mortality rates, and appropriate device therapies by NYHA class in a prospective national ICD registry. The study comprised 1670 consecutive patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who were implanted with a primary prevention ICD and enrolled in the prospective national Israeli ICD Registry from 2010. The risk for clinical and arrhythmic events was assessed by NYHA class. Asymptomatic patients (NYHA I) composed 19% of the study cohort. Comparison according to NYHA class showed that the highest mortality rate was in the NYHA III-IV group vs NYHA I and NYHA II (10.5% vs 5.4% and 5.8%, respectively; log rank P= .003). Conversely, cumulative incidence of appropriate ICD therapies, corrected for death as a competing risk, were higher among patients with NYHA I (11% vs 7%; P = .021). In a multivariate model, NYHA I vs ≥II remained independently associated with a significant 2-fold risk for appropriate ICD therapy (hazard ratio 2.03; 95% confidence interval 1.28-3.24). Our findings indicate that patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy without heart failure symptoms have a higher risk of appropriate ICD therapy compared with symptomatic patients after adjustment for the competing risk of death, suggesting possible incremental benefit of primary ICD implantation in this population.

The Benefit of Prophylactic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation in Asymptomatic Heart Failure Patients With a Reduced Ejection Fraction

Recommendations for prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation in asymptomatic heart failure patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) differ between guidelines. Evidence on the risk of appropriate device therapy (ADT) and death in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I patients is scarce. Aim of this study is to evaluate ADT and mortality in NYHA-I primary prevention ICD patients with a LVEF ≤35%. A retrospective cohort was studied, including 572 patients with LVEF ≤35% who received a prophylactic ICD with or without resynchronization therapy (CRT-D). To evaluate the incidence of ADT and mortality, NYHA-I was compared with NYHA-II-III using Cox regression analysis. During a follow-up of 4.1 ± 2.4 years, 33% of the NYHA-I patients received ADT compared with 20% of the NYHA-II-III patients (hazard ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 2.31, p = 0.03). No differences in mortality were observed (hazard ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.49 to 1.07, p = 0.10). Additional analyses showed no difference in time to ADT excluding CRT patients (ICD-NYHA-I patients vs ICD-NYHA-II-III patients, p = 0.17) and comparing ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy NYHA-I patients (p = 0.13). Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that NYHA class was the strongest independent predictor of ADT. In conclusion, primary prevention NYHA-I ICD patients showed a higher incidence of ADT compared with NYHA-II-III ICD patients. These results strongly suggest that primary prevention NYHA-I patients with a LVEF ≤35% are likely to benefit from ICD therapy and should not be excluded from a potentially life-saving therapy.

Risk of death without appropriate defibrillator shock in patients with advanced renal dysfunction.

Heart failure patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) may experience an increased rate of non-arrhythmic mortality due to associated comorbidities. We aimed to evaluate the risk of mortality without appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks in this high-risk population. The study population comprised 3542 patients who received an ICD, were enrolled, and prospectively followed-up in the Israeli ICD registry. Study patients were categorized into two groups: those with advanced CKD [defined by a glomerular filtration rate of <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or being on dialysis at time of implantation (n = 197)], and those without advanced CKD (n = 3344). The primary endpoint was the risk of death without receiving appropriate ICD shock. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that at 5 years of follow-up the rates of death without prior ICD shock were significantly higher in the advanced kidney disease group (46%) compared with the non-advanced CKD group (19%; log-rank P-value <0.001). Consistently, multivariate analysis showed that the risk of death without receiving appropriate ICD shock therapy at 5 years was 2.5-fold (P < 0.001) higher among advanced CKD patients. In contrast, the rate of appropriate ICD shock therapy at 5 years among advanced CKD patients was only 9%, with a very high mortality rate (63%) within 3.5 years subsequent to shock therapy. Nearly one-half of ICD with advanced CKD die within 5 years without receiving an appropriate ICD shock. These findings stress the importance of appropriate patient selection for primary ICD implantation in this high-risk population.

Compromised Sexual Health Among Male Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

IntroductionIn cardiac patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), sexual function is sparsely described.AimTo determine the prevalence and distribution of sexual dysfunction, and to describe whether primary or secondary prophylactic ICD indication and antitachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock is associated with sexual function.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of men with an implanted ICD was conducted at 2 university hospitals in Denmark. Inclusion criteria were men over the age of 18 with an ICD. Exclusion criterion was no partner.Main Outcome MeasureSexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and data on implantation indication (primary/secondary prevention) and therapy such as ATP and shock (both appropriate and inappropriate) was obtained from the Danish ICD Register.ResultsData from 415 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate 50.2%). Patients had a mean age of 63.9±12.1 years. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was present in 70% of patients, orgasmic dysfunction was present in 57.9% of patients, 82.8% had reduced sexual desire, 85.8% had intercourse satisfaction problems, and 76.9% experienced overall satisfaction problems (non-validated metric except for ED). Patients with an ICD on primary prophylactic indication had more sexual dysfunction and ED compared with patients with an ICD on secondary prophylactic indication. ATP therapy, but not shock, was associated with more ED.ConclusionSexual dysfunction is common in patients with ICD and is not limited to ED, but also orgasmic function, desire, intercourse, and overall satisfaction are affected. Primary prophylactic ICD indication and ATP, but not shock therapy, is associated with compromised sexual function.Palm P, Zwisler A-D, Svendsen JH. Compromised Sexual Health Among Male Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study. Sex Med 2019;7:169–176.

Assessing Candidacy for Primary Preventative Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillators in Pediatric Patients with Ion Channelopathies: Weighing the Risks and Benefits.

Inherited ion channelopathies have come to the forefront as a significant cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in pediatric patients with structurally normal hearts. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement can be a life-saving primary preventative therapy, but because of actors inherent in the pediatric population, careful thought must be given to the specific indications for placement in each patient. The most common inherited ion channelopathies are long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. All have the potential to cause SCD. However, thanks to current research, more is now known about the range of phenotypes present within each disorder and also the benefits that medical therapy can provide. Risk stratification can allow clinicians to best predict which patients may most benefit from a primary preventative ICD while at the same time avoid placement in the larger group who may remain asymptomatic with the aid of medical therapy or even simply observation.

Both mental and physical health predicts one year mortality and readmissions in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: findings from the national DenHeart study.

Although highly effective in preventing arrhythmic death, there is a high prevalence of anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life among patients who have received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Whether mortality, ICD shock and readmission are predicted by patient-reported outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe patient-reported outcomes among patients with ICDs compared by: ICD indication and generator type (ICD or cardiac resynchronisation therapy ICD), and to determine whether patient-reported outcomes at discharge predict mortality, ICD therapy and readmission. A national cross-sectional survey at hospital discharge ( n=998) with register follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form-12, HeartQoL, EQ-5D and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. Register data: ICD therapy, readmissions and mortality within one year following discharge. Patients with primary prevention ICDs had significantly worse patient-reported outcomes at discharge than patients with secondary prevention ICDs. Likewise, patients with cardiac resynchronisation therapy ICDs had significantly worse patient-reported outcomes at discharge than patients without cardiac resynchronisation therapy. One-year mortality was predicted by patient-reported outcomes, with the highest hazard ratio (HR) being anxiety (HR 2.02; 1.06-3.86), but was not predicted by indication or cardiac resynchronisation therapy. ICD therapy and ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation were not predicted by patient-reported outcomes, indication or cardiac resynchronisation therapy. Overall, patient-reported outcomes predicted readmissions, e.g. symptoms of anxiety and depression predicted all readmissions within 3 months (HR 1.50; 1.13-1.98) and 1.47 (1.07-2.03), respectively). Patients with primary indication ICDs and cardiac resynchronisation therapy ICDs report worse patient-reported outcomes than patients with secondary indication and no cardiac resynchronisation therapy. Patient-reported outcomes such as mental health, quality of life and symptom burden predict one-year mortality and acute and planned hospital readmissions.

Left ventricular sphericity index analysis for the prediction of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the most effective therapy currently available to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Although LV ejection fraction (LVEF) is an excellent marker of SCD in these patients, determining other predictors might help to identify patients who will be benefit more from device implantation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether abnormal LV sphericity index (SI) in transthoracic echocardiography is associated with appropriate ICD therapy in these patients. A total of 140 patients with primary ICD implantation (mean age 62.59±11.36years; 98 [70%] male) were included. The patients were classified into "no ICD therapy" or "ICD therapy" group according to the information of their devices for a maximum of 2 previous years. In four-chamber view image of transthoracic echocardiography, SI was calculated by dividing the major-axis dimension to minor-axis dimension of LV in both groups. Compared with patients with no ICD therapy, patients in ICD therapy group had lower LVEF (31.36±9.58vs 23.24±6.03, P=0.0001) and lower SI (1.79±0.29vs 1.57±0.32, P=0.0001). In multivariant logistic regression analysis, the SI of ≤1.58 was associated with fourfold increase of appropriate ICD therapy, even after adjusting for LVEF (odds ratio, 4.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.71-9.75; P=0.02). Simple echocardiographic sphericity dimension index as a marker of cardiac remodeling may be an important predictor of appropriate ICD therapy in patients with primary prevention ICDs and may provide additive risk stratification in patients with LV systolic dysfunction.

Long-Term Survival With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator in Different Symptomatic Functional Classes of Heart Failure

The ACC/AHA/HRS (American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society) guidelines recommend implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy primary prevention in all patients with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (≤30%) regardless of New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, whereas recent European guidelines limit the indication to those with symptomatic heart failure (NYHA ≥ II). We therefore aimed to evaluate the long-term survival benefit of primary ICD therapy among postmyocardial infarction patients with and without heart failure (HF) symptoms who were enrolled in MADIT-II (Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial II). We classified 1,164 MADIT-II patient groups according to the baseline NYHA class (NYHA I [n = 442], NYHA II [n = 425], and NYHA III [n = 297]); patients with NYHA IV were excluded. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was performed to compare the mortality reduction with ICD versus non-ICD therapy during 8 years of follow-up between the 3 NYHA groups. The median (interquartile range) follow-up time was 7.6 (3.5 to 9) years. At 8 years of follow-up, the cumulative probability of mortality in the non-ICD treatment arm was 57% for NYHA I, 57% for NYHA II, and 76% for NYHA III (p <0.001). Multivariate models demonstrated similar long-term mortality risk reduction with ICD compared with the non-ICD treatment arm regardless of HF symptoms: NYHA I (HR = 0.63, 0.46 to 0.85, p = 0.003), NYHA II (HR = 0.68, 0.50 to 0.93, p = 0.017), and NYHA III (HR = 0.68, 0.50 to 0.94, p = 0.018); p for NYHA class by treatment arm interaction >0.10. In conclusion, primary ICD therapy provides consistent long-term survival benefit among patients with previous myocardial infarction and severe left ventricular dysfunction, regardless of HF symptoms.

Dutch outcome in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy (DO-IT): registry design and baseline characteristics of aprospective observational cohort study to predict appropriate indication for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

BackgroundImplantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are widely used for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. At present, both clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of ICD therapy in primary prevention patients are topics of discussion, as only a minority of these patients will eventually receive appropriate ICD therapy.Methods/designThe DO-IT Registry is a nationwide prospective cohort with a target enrolment of 1,500 primary prevention ICD patients with reduced left ventricular function in a setting of structural heart disease. The primary outcome measures are death and appropriate ICD therapy for ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Secondary outcome measures are inappropriate ICD therapy, death of any cause, hospitalisation for ICD related complications and for cardiovascular reasons. As of December 2016, data on demographic, clinical, and ICD characteristics of 1,468 patients have been collected. Follow-up will continue up to 24 months after inclusion of the last patient. During follow-up, clinical and ICD data are collected based on the normal follow-up of these patients, assuming ICD interrogations take place every six months and clinical follow-up is once a year. At baseline, the mean age was 66 (standard deviation [SD] 10) years and 27% were women.ConclusionThe DO-IT Registry represents a real-world nationwide cohort of patients receiving ICDs for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death with reduced left ventricular function in a setting of structural heart disease. The registry investigates the efficacy of the current practice and aims to develop prediction rules to identify subgroups who will not (sufficiently) benefit from ICD implantation and to provide results regarding costs and budget impact of targeted supply of primary preventions ICDs.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi: 10.1007/s12471-017-1016-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Left ventricular geometry predicts ventricular tachyarrhythmia in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

BackgroundMost patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation fail to utilize the device resulting in increasing societal costs and patient exposure to device morbidity. We sought to determine whether volumetric cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) left ventricular (LV) spherical remodeling predicts future ventricular arrhythmias in primary ICD patients with reduced LV ejection fraction (EF).MethodsSixty-eight consecutive patients with transthoracic echocardiographic LVEF <35% referred for CMR prior to ICD implantation for primary prevention of sudden death were identified. Sphericity index was measured as the ratio of LV end-diastolic volume (from cine short axis stack) to the volume of a sphere with a LV end-diastolic 4-chamber length diameter.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 55 months (interquartile range; 28–88), 15 patients (22%) received appropriate ICD therapy. Multivariable Cox’s proportional hazard modeling identified increased CMR-derived sphericity index as the strongest independent predictor of appropriate ICD therapy (hazard ratio [HR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.16; p = 0.007). In addition, dichotomized volumetric CMR-derived sphericity index ≥0.57 carried a 4-fold hazard risk for appropriate ICD therapy, controlling for age and LVEF (HR, 4.49; 95% CI, 1.53 to 13.21; p = 0.006). When sphericity index, LVEF and mass index were used in combination, important incremental prognostic information was achieved (net reclassification improvement, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.77).ConclusionsThe combined assessment of LV geometry, mass index and systolic function may provide incremental prognostic information regarding ventricular arrhythmia requiring appropriate ICD therapy in primary prevention patients with reduced LVEF.

Incidence, predictors and outcomes of hematoma after ICD implantation: An analysis of a nationwide database of 85,276 patients

BackgroundPocket hematoma is one of the most common complications following cardiac device implantation. This study examined the impact of this complication on in-hospital outcomes following Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation. MethodsData from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2010 was queried to identify all primary implantations of ICDs and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillators (CRT-D) during the year 2010 using ICD-9 codes. We then identified the patients who experienced a procedure related hematoma during the hospital stay. We compared the outcomes of the patients with and without a hematoma complication. All analyses were performed using SPSS 20 complex samples using appropriate weights to adjust for the complex sampling design of the national database. ResultsOut of a total of 85,276 primary ICD implantations in the year 2010, 2233 (2.6% of the implantations) were complicated by a hematoma. Increased age (p < 0.001), and comorbidities such as congestive heart failure (odds ratio (OR) – 1.86, p < 0.001), coagulopathy (OR - 2.3, p < 0.001) and renal failure (OR - 1.52, p < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of pocket hematoma formation. Patients who developed a hematoma had a longer hospitalization (9.1 days versus 5.5 days, p < 0.001) and higher in-hospital costs ($56,545 versus $47,015, p < 0.001) compared to patients who did not have a hematoma. Overall mortality associated with ICD implantation was low (0.6%), and hematoma formation did not adversely affect mortality (0.6% versus 0.4%, p = 0.63). ConclusionHematoma occurs infrequently after ICD implantation, however, it adversely impacts the cost of procedure and length of stay.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in congenital heart disease.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) have an important role in reducing sudden cardiac death in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD); however, the benefit of ICDs needs to be weighed up against both short-term and long-term adverse effects, which are difficult to evaluate in the heterogeneous CHD population. A tailored approach, taking into account risk stratification and patient-specific factors, is needed to select the most appropriate strategy. This review discusses primary and secondary ICD indications, implantation approaches and long-term follow-up. Recent publications have shed light on the concerns of system longevity, lead extractions, inappropriate shocks and impact on the quality of life. All of these factors require consideration prior to commitment to this long-term treatment strategy.

Prediction of Appropriate Shocks Using 24-Hour Holter Variables and T-Wave Alternans After First Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation in Patients With Ischemic or Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

In patients treated with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), prediction of both overall survival and occurrence of shocks is important if improved patient selection is desired. We prospectively studied the predictive value of biomarkers and indexes of cardiac and renal function and spectral microvolt T-wave alternans testing and 24-hour Holter variables in a population who underwent first ICD implantation. Consecutive patients in sinus rhythm with ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy scheduled for primary or secondary prophylactic ICD implantation were enrolled. Exercise microvolt T-wave alternans and 24-hour Holter for number of ventricular premature contractions (VPCs), deceleration capacity, heart rate variability, and heart rate turbulence were done. Death of any cause and first appropriate ICD shock were defined as end points. Over 33 ± 15months of follow-up, 36 of 253 patients (14%) received appropriate shocks and 39 of 253 patients (15%) died. Only 3 of 253 patients (1%) died after receiving at least 1 appropriate shock. In univariate analyses, New York Heart Association class, ejection fraction, N-terminal pro brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), renal function, ICD indication, deceleration capacity, heart rate variability, and heart rate turbulence were predictive of all-cause mortality and VPC number and deceleration capacity predicted first appropriate shock. NT-proBNP (≥1,600 pg/ml) was identified as the only independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 3.0, confidence interval 1.3 to 7.3, p= 0.014). In contrast, VPC number predicted appropriate shocks (hazard ratio 2.3, confidence interval 1.0 to 5.5, p= 0.047) as the only independent risk marker. In conclusion, NT-proBNP is a strong independent predictor of mortality in a typical prospective cohort of newly implanted patients with ICD, among many electrocardiographic and clinical variables studied. Number of VPCs was identified as a predictor of appropriate shocks (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02010515).

Distribution of Ventricular Fibrosis Associated With Life-Threatening Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients With Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Current guidelines recommend the implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a subgroup of patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) who have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 30-35%, and are NYHA functional class II or III. However, the majority of patients with an ICD implantation for primary prevention did not receive appropriate ICD therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between myocardial fibrosis detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmic events in NICM patients. One hundred and seventy-five NICM patients with an LVEF ≦ 35 % and NYHA functional class II or III, (60 ± 15 years, LVEF 29 ± 5.4%) were studied. Myocardial fibrosis was identified with a late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR. Clinical events were defined as SCD or life-threatening ventricular arrhythmic events and were followed up for 5.1 ± 3.3 years. The presence of an LGE was detected in 122 patients (70%). No life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia events occurred in patients with the absence of an LGE. A total of 18 ventricular tachycardia and 8 ventricular fibrillation events were found in patients with the presence of an LGE (P < 0.01). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of LGE in predicting life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia events were 100%, 34%, and 15% and 100%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of both septal and lateral mid-wall LGE was associated with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmic events (hazard ratio 23.1 CI; 2.88-184.9, P = 0.003). The absence of an LGE predicts a low potential risk of SCD and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia events in the near future. CMR may be a useful tool for selecting suitable patients for primary ICD implantations in NICM patients.

Real world effectiveness of primary implantable cardioverter defibrillators implanted during hospital admissions for exacerbation of heart failure or other acute co-morbidities: cohort study of older patients with heart failure

Objectives To examine the effectiveness of primary implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in elderly patients receiving the device during a hospital admission for exacerbation of heart failure or other acute co-morbidities,...

Anxiety predicts mortality in ICD patients: results from the cross-sectional national CopenHeartICD survey with register follow-up.

Although highly effective in preventing arrhythmic death, patients receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may still experience psychological difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The objectives of this study were to describe patient-reported outcomes among ICD patients: (1) compared to a matched healthy population, (2) compared by ICD indication, (3) factors predicting patient-reported outcomes, and (4) if patient-reported outcomes predicted mortality. The study was a mailed survey to an unselected group of patients 18+ years old receiving ICD between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2011 (n = 499). The following instruments were used: SF-36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HeartQoL, EQ-5D, and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. The response rate was 72%. Mean age was 65.5 years and 82% patients were males. Fifty-three percent of patients had primary prevention indication ICD. Compared to an age- and gender-matched population without disease, the ICD population had worse mental health (55.0 vs 51.7 points) and physical health (52.6 vs 41.9 points). Patients with primary prevention indication had lower levels of perceived health, quality of life, and fatigue; for example, physical health 39.8 versus 44.3 points, compared to secondary prevention indication. Anxiety, poor perceived health, fatigue, and low quality of life were all predictors of mortality, anxiety being the strongest with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.17 (1.49; 11.66). Patients with primary prevention ICD had lower levels of perceived health, quality of life, and more fatigue. Anxiety, poor perceived health, fatigue, and low quality of life were all predictors of mortality.

State of the art of ICD programming: Lessons learned and future directions.

The lifesaving benefits of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy are more and more weighted against possible harm (e.g. unnecessary device therapy, procedural complications, device malfunction etc.) which might have adverse effects on patients’ perceived health status and quality of life. Hence, there has been an increasing interest in the optimisation of ICD programming to prevent inappropriate and appropriate but unnecessary device therapy. The purpose of the current report is to give an overview of research into the optimisation of ICD programming and present the design of the on-going ENHANCED-ICD study. The ENHANCED-ICD study is a prospective, safety monitoring study enrolling 60 primary and secondary prophylactic ICD patients at the University Medical Center Utrecht. Patients implanted with any type of ICD with SmartShock technologyTM, and between 18–80 years of age, were eligible to participate. In all patients a prolonged detection of 60/80 intervals was programmed. The primary objective of the study is to investigate whether enhanced programming to further reduce ICD therapies is safe. The secondary objective is to examine the impact of enhanced programming on (i) antitachycardia pacing and shocks (both appropriate and inappropriate) and (ii) quality of life and distress. The first results of the ENHANCED-ICD study are expected in 2015.

Select Articles Published on the Topic of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiogy in 2013

Select Articles Published on the Topic of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiogy in 2013

Frequency and Determinants of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Deployment Among Primary Prevention Candidates With Subsequent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the Community

The prevalence rates and influencing factors for deployment of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) among subjects who eventually experience sudden cardiac arrest in the general population have not been evaluated. Cases of adult sudden cardiac arrest with echocardiographic evaluation before the event were identified from the ongoing Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study (population approximately 1 million). Eligibility for primary ICD implantation was determined from medical records based on established guidelines. The frequency of prior primary ICD implantation in eligible subjects was evaluated, and ICD nonrecipients were characterized. Of 2093 cases (2003-2012), 448 had appropriate pre- sudden cardiac arrest left ventricular ejection fraction information available. Of these, 92 (20.5%) were eligible for primary ICD implantation, 304 (67.9%) were ineligible because of left ventricular ejection fraction >35%, and the remainder (52, 11.6%) had left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% but were ineligible on the basis of clinical guideline criteria. Among eligible subjects, only 12 (13.0%; 95% confidence interval, 6.1%-19.9%) received a primary ICD. Compared with recipients, primary ICD nonrecipients were older (age at ejection fraction assessment, 67.1±13.6 versus 58.5±14.8 years, P=0.05), with 20% aged ≥80 years (versus 0% among recipients, P=0.11). Additionally, a subgroup (26%) had either a clinical history of dementia or were undergoing chronic dialysis. Only one fifth of the sudden cardiac arrest cases in the community were eligible for a primary prevention ICD before the event, but among these, a small proportion (13%) were actually implanted. Although older age and comorbidity may explain nondeployment in a subgroup of these cases, other determinants such as socioeconomic factors, health insurance, patient preference, and clinical practice patterns warrant further detailed investigation.