Understanding Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shocks and Mortality

Improper Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Shocks

The second ECG recorded supraventricular tachycardia at the time his hemodynamic status deteriorated and decision was made to perform electrical cardioversion with 120 Joules of biphasic synchronized direct current with follow up ECG that showed atrial paced rhythm (Figure 1B). His condition improved and started on amiodarone 200 mg, anticoagulation, and subsequent follow up for ICD reprogrammi...

Inappropriate Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shocks

Results A total of 1,544 ICD patients (79% male, age 61 13 years) were included in the analysis. During the follow-up period of 41 18 months, 13% experienced 1 inappropriate shocks. The cumulative incidence steadily increased to 18% at 5-year follow-up. Independent predictors of the occurrence of inappropriate shocks included a history of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.0, p 0.01) and...

Prognostic Significance of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shocks

Mortality benefits and the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

The automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is highly effective in reducing sudden death rates in patients with life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias. However, the magnitude of the ability of the ICD to improve overall survival is less certain. Data supporting the contention that the ICD prolongs survival are reviewed. It is evident that the mortality benefit consequent t...

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks: epidemiology, outcomes, and therapeutic approaches.

IMPORTANCE Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have revolutionized the approach to the prevention of sudden cardiac death and are commonly used in a wide range of high-risk patients, including the large population of patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The benefit of these devices derives from their therapies, including both antitachycardia pacing and high-ene...