Circulation, Vol 87, 1152-1168, Copyright © 1993 by American Heart Association
GH Bardy, B Hofer, G Johnson, PJ Kudenchuk, JE Poole, GL Dolack, M Gleva, R Mitchell and D Kelso
BACKGROUND. Implantable transvenous cardioverter-defibrillators offer a
significant opportunity to decrease procedural morbidity and medical costs
in the care of patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias who
otherwise would have required a sternotomy or thoracotomy for device
insertion. The purpose of this study was to examine prospectively the
safety, efficacy, and limitations associated with the use of a
transvenously implanted, tiered-therapy cardioverter- defibrillator with
antitachycardia pacing function in a consecutive population of 84
ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT)
survivors. METHODS AND RESULTS. The index arrhythmia promoting transvenous
cardioverter-defibrillator implantation was VF in 41 patients, VT in 27,
and both VF and VT in 16. In each patient, transvenous defibrillation via a
coronary sinus, a right ventricular, a superior vena caval, and/or a
subcutaneous chest patch lead system was attempted. The pulsing methods
used include two- electrode single-pathway pulsing or three-electrode
dual-pathway simultaneous or sequential pulsing. A transvenous
cardioverter- defibrillator was inserted if the defibrillation threshold
(DFT) was < or = 20 J. Successful implantation of a transvenous
cardioverter- defibrillator was possible in 80 of 84 (95%) patients. The
mean implant DFT was 10.9 +/- 4.8 J. After cardioverter-defibrillator
implantation, all patients were extubated in the operating room and sent to
a standard telemetry ward for monitoring. No patient suffered a
postoperative pulmonary complication or perioperative flurry of cardiac
arrhythmias. Postoperative complications included lead dislodgments in
eight, transient long thoracic nerve injury in one, asymptomatic left
subclavian vein occlusion in two, asymptomatic small pericardial effusion
in one, subcutaneous patch pocket hematomas in four, pulse generator pocket
infection in one, and lead fracture in one. As experience was gained with
the procedure, it was routine to discharge patients 3 days after surgery.
The mean hospital stay was 6.0 +/- 2.4 days. Upon discharge, all patients
returned to their prehospital activities including those with complications
except for the patient with a pocket infection, who required intravenous
antibiotic therapy. Patient survival using an intention-to-treat analysis
was 98% over an 11 +/- 7-month follow-up period. During this time period,
31 of the 80 patients (39%) with transvenous lead systems were successfully
treated by their device for sustained VT or VF. Antitachycardia pacing was
used in 424 episodes of monomorphic VT and was successful in 371 (88%). All
episodes of VF were aborted by the device. Antiarrhythmic drugs were used
after device implantation in only eight of 80 patients (10%). CONCLUSIONS.
Transvenous cardioverter-defibrillator implantation is practical in most
candidates. Implant DFTs are usually low, surgical morbidity and
postoperative complications are modest, therapy of VT and VF is efficient,
and survival is excellent.
ARTICLES
Implantable transvenous cardioverter-defibrillators
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle.
This article has been cited by other articles:
![]() |
S. Knecht, F. Sacher, M. Wright, M. Hocini, A. Nogami, T. Arentz, B. Petit, R. Franck, C. De Chillou, D. Lamaison, et al. Long-term follow-up of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation ablation: a multicenter study. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., August 4, 2009; 54(6): 522 - 528. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. A. Lopez New transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator configuration for use after tricuspid valve surgery Europace, June 1, 2008; 10(6): 736 - 737. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. A. Thomas, E. Friedmann, C.-W. Kao, P. Inguito, M. Metcalf, F. J. Kelley, and S. S. Gottlieb Quality of life and psychological status of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Am. J. Crit. Care., July 1, 2006; 15(4): 389 - 398. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. Cappato, S. Boczor, K.-H. Kuck, and on behalf of the CASH Investigators Response to programmed ventricular stimulation and clinical outcome in cardiac arrest survivors receiving randomised assignment to implantable cardioverter defibrillator or antiarrhythmic drug therapy Eur. Heart J., April 2, 2004; 25(8): 642 - 649. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J M Morgan The MADIT II and COMPANION studies: will they affect uptake of device treatment? Heart, March 1, 2004; 90(3): 243 - 245. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S.G. Priori, E. Aliot, C. Blomstrom-Lundqvist, L. Bossaert, G. Breithardt, P. Brugada, A.J. Camm, R. Cappato, S.M. Cobbe, C. Di Mario, et al. Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death of the European Society of Cardiology Eur. Heart J., August 2, 2001; 22(16): 1374 - 1450. [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K.-H. Kuck, R. Cappato, J. Siebels, and R. Ruppel Randomized Comparison of Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy With Implantable Defibrillators in Patients Resuscitated From Cardiac Arrest : The Cardiac Arrest Study Hamburg (CASH) Circulation, August 15, 2000; 102(7): 748 - 754. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. D. Salazar, J. R. Doty, E. E. Tseng, P. C. Marin, J. A. Girotto, G. S. Roseborough, S. C. Yang, and R. F. Heitmiller RELATIONSHIP OF THE LONG THORACIC NERVE TO THE SCAPULAR TIP: AN AID TO PREVENTION OF PROXIMAL NERVE INJURY J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., December 1, 1998; 116(6): 960 - 964. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. Ruppel, C. A. Schluter, S. Boczor, T. Meinertz, M. Schluter, K.-H. Kuck, and R. Cappato Ventricular tachycardia during follow-up in patients resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation: experience from stored electrograms of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 15, 1998; 32(6): 1724 - 1730. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. Arenal, J. Almendral, J. Villacastin, R. Morris, E. Castellanos, and J. L. Delcan First Postpacing Interval Variability During Right Ventricular Stimulation : A Single Algorithm for the Differential Diagnosis of Regular Tachycardias Circulation, August 18, 1998; 98(7): 671 - 677. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K J Lipscomb, N J Linker, and A P Fitzpatrick Subpectoral implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator under local anaesthesia Heart, March 1, 1998; 79(3): 253 - 255. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
A. Schaumann, F. v. z. Muhlen, B. Herse, B.-D. Gonska, and H. Kreuzer Empirical Versus Tested Antitachycardia Pacing in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators : A Prospective Study Including 200 Patients Circulation, January 13, 1998; 97(1): 66 - 74. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K. J. Quan, J. H. Lee, O. Costantini, A. K. Konstantakos, H. K. Murrell, M. D. Carlson, J. A. Mackall, L. A. Biblo, and A. S. Geha Favorable Results of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation in Patients Older Than 70 Years Ann. Thorac. Surg., December 1, 1997; 64(6): 1713 - 1717. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
H.-J. Trappe, P. Pfitzner, M. Achtelik, and H.-G. Fieguth Age dependent efficacy of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator treatment: observations in 450 patients over an 11 year period Heart, October 1, 1997; 78(4): 364 - 370. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
G. Gioia, B. Bagheri, C. D. Gottlieb, D. S. Schwartzman, D. J. Callans, F. E. Marchlinski, J. Heo, and A. E. Iskandrian Prediction of Outcome of Patients With Life-Threatening Ventricular Arrhythmias Treated With Automatic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators Using SPECT Perfusion Imaging Circulation, January 21, 1997; 95(2): 390 - 394. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
G. J. Fahy, E. B. Sgarbossa, P. J. Tchou, and S. L. Pinski Hospital Readmission in Patients Treated With Tiered-Therapy Implantable Defibrillators Circulation, September 15, 1996; 94(6): 1350 - 1356. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
D. Bocker, W. Haverkamp, M. Block, M. Borggrefe, D. Hammel, and G. Breithardt Comparison of d,l-Sotalol and Implantable Defibrillators for Treatment of Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia or Fibrillation in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Circulation, July 15, 1996; 94(2): 151 - 157. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
T. Ferguson Jr, C. Ferguson, K Crites, and P Crimmins-Reda THE ADDITIONAL HOSPITAL COSTS GENERATED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF COMPLICATIONS OF PACEMAKER AND DEFIBRILLATOR IMPLANTATIONS J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., April 1, 1996; 111(4): 742 - 752. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
B. L. Cmolik, J. Ortiz, G. M. Ayers, J. H. Lee, A. S. Geha, and A. L. Waldo SUCCESSFUL ATRIAL DEFIBRILLATION WITH VERY-LOW-ENERGY SHOCKS BY MEANS OF TEMPORARY EPICARDIAL WIRE ELECTRODES J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., February 1, 1996; 111(2): 392 - 398. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
A. Garcia-Alberola, S. Yli-Mayry, M. Block, W. Haverkamp, A. Martinez-Rubio, H. Kottkamp, G. Breithardt, and M. Borggrefe RR Interval Variability in Irregular Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia and Atrial Fibrillation Circulation, January 15, 1996; 93(2): 295 - 300. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
G. K. Jones, J. E. Poole, P. J. Kudenchuk, G. L. Dolack, G. Johnson, P. DeGroot, M. J. Gleva, M. Raitt, and G. H. Bardy A Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Size on Unipolar Defibrillation System Efficacy Circulation, November 15, 1995; 92(10): 2940 - 2943. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
P. C. Fotuhi, R. E. Ideker, S. F. Idriss, R. L. Callihan, R. G. Walker, and E. U. Alt Influence of Epicardial Patches on Defibrillation Threshold With Nonthoracotomy Lead Configurations Circulation, November 15, 1995; 92(10): 3082 - 3088. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
E. U. Alt, P. C. Fotuhi, R. L. Callihan, E. Mestre, W. M. Smith, and R. E. Ideker Endocardial Carbon-Braid Electrodes : A New Concept for Lower Defibrillation Thresholds Circulation, September 15, 1995; 92(6): 1627 - 1633. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
S. L. Pinski and G. J. Fahy The Proarrhythmic Potential of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators Circulation, September 15, 1995; 92(6): 1651 - 1664. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
G. H. Tofler, O. C. E. Gebara, M. A. Mittleman, P. Taylor, W. Siegel, F. J. Venditti Jr, C. A. Rasmussen, J. E. Muller, and f. t. C. Investigators Morning Peak in Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias Detected by Time of Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillator Therapy Circulation, September 1, 1995; 92(5): 1203 - 1208. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
D. P. Zipes and D. Roberts Results of the International Study of the Implantable Pacemaker Cardioverter-Defibrillator : A Comparison of Epicardial and Endocardial Lead Systems Circulation, July 1, 1995; 92(1): 59 - 65. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
D. M. Shahian, W. A. Williamson, L. G. Svensson, R. S. D'Agostino, D. T. Martin, J. R. Ellis, and F. J. Venditti Transvenous versus transthoracic cardioverter-defibrillator implantation: A comparative analysis of morbidity, mortality, and survival J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., June 1, 1995; 109(6): 1066 - 1074. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
J. S. Lawton, K. A. Ellenbogen, M. A. Wood, B. S. Stambler, J. A. Spratt, A. S. Wechsler, and R. J. Damiano Jr Clinical Experience With Nonthoracotomy Cardioverter Defibrillators Ann. Thorac. Surg., May 1, 1995; 59(5): 1092 - 1098. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
S. O. Nunain, M. Roelke, T. Trouton, S. Osswald, Y. H. Kim, G. Sosa-Suarez, D. R. Brooks, B. McGovern, M. Guy, D. F. Torchiana, et al. Limitations and Late Complications of Third-Generation Automatic Cardioverter-Defibrillators Circulation, April 15, 1995; 91(8): 2204 - 2213. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
M. H. Raitt, G. L. Dolack, P. J. Kudenchuk, J. E. Poole, and G. H. Bardy Ventricular Arrhythmias Detected After Transvenous Defibrillator Implantation in Patients With a Clinical History of Only Ventricular Fibrillation : Implications for Use of Implantable Defibrillator Circulation, April 1, 1995; 91(7): 1996 - 2001. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
J. M. Piehler, D. A. Killen, A. M. Borkon, W. A. Reed, M. E. Gorton, G. M. Gura Jr, and A. H. Kragel Right Atrial Compression Related to Defibrillator Patches Ann. Thorac. Surg., March 1, 1995; 59(3): 684 - 688. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
E. U. Alt, P. C. Fotuhi, R. L. Callihan, D. L. Rollins, E. Mestre, M. P. Combs, W. M. Smith, and R. E. Ideker Improved Defibrillation Threshold With a New Epicardial Carbon Electrode Compared With a Standard Epicardial Titanium Patch Circulation, January 15, 1995; 91(2): 445 - 450. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
G. H. Bardy, J. E. Poole, P. J. Kudenchuk, G. L. Dolack, R. Mehra, P. DeGroot, M. H. Raitt, G. K. Jones, and G. Johnson A Prospective Randomized Comparison in Humans of Biphasic Waveform 60-µF and 120-µF Capacitance Pulses Using A Unipolar Defibrillation System Circulation, January 1, 1995; 91(1): 91 - 95. [Abstract] [Full Text] |
||||
![]() |
A. S. Manolis Transvenous Endocardial Cardioverter Defibrillator Systems: Is the Future Here? Arch Intern Med, March 28, 1994; 154(6): 617 - 622. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
TRANSVENOUS PLACEMENT OF CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATORS Journal Watch (General), April 27, 1993; 1993(427): 5 - 5. [Full Text] |
||||
|
Circulation Home | Subscriptions | Archives | Feedback | Authors | Help | AHA Journals Home | Search Copyright © 1993 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. |