Radiotherapy and cardiac implantable electronic devices: a nurse-based protocol in a single centre experience

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background An increasing number patients need cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) for bradycardia or to prevent sudden death. At the same time many require radiotherapy oncologic reasons. Interaction between CIEDs and ionizing radiations may cause several dysfunctions: electromagnetic interferences due oversensing, CIED reset, drainage battery, hardware damage pulse generator lead-tissue interface. Purpose adequate planning is expected guarantee safety patients, reducing potential complications. We describe our protocol in use its application. Methods In 2016 an internal was written standardize approach undergoing radiotherapy. Cardiology Department, Radiotherapy Unit Medical Physics were involved draft. stratified high low risk groups according characteristics (ICD vs pacemaker), electro-dependency (yes no), estimated radiation dose (< 2 Gy: 2-10 Gy, > 10 Gy). Low group: - Non pacemaker (PM) dependent < Gy PM High Non-PM >10 ICD Two EHRA certificated nurses followed up before, during after received weekly office evaluation course. scheduled daily check plus monitoring each session, therapy temporarily switched off session. planned 1, 3, 6 12 months end course until 2019, since 2020 all given remote accurate follow up. Results Between November 2022 101 with underwent facility. Clinical are described Table 1. managed 1282 sessions without any complication. A transient underestimation longevity only software error occurred. Conclusions The reported assured a safe patients. Given limited data available about interaction newest radiotherapy, we opted profile. certified nurse’s involvement allowed optimize personnel resources.