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- Title
Patients with a high defibrillation threshold: Approaches to management.
- Authors
Vidal Margenat, Alejandro; Zedan, Ahmed; Schubert, Scott; Gopani, Srushti; Hariharan, Ramesh
- Abstract
Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) have revolutionized the prognosis for patients at elevated risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. For safety, defibrillation should be effective with a minimum of 10 J below the device's maximum energy. While modern ICDs rarely deliver ineffective shocks in primary prevention, the surge in managing severe heart failure patients has led to an increased number of patients with high defibrillation thresholds (DFTs). This article elucidates the potential causes of high DFT, including clinical factors, lead and device placement, the presence of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), prolonged ventricular arrhythmias, shock vectors, waveform tilt, medications, and manufacturer‐specific options. We also detail management strategies, highlighting alternative shock coil placements, practical recommendations, and case studies from our institution. Our management algorithm suggests addressing preventable causes, re‐evaluating coil positions, considering non‐invasive system modifications, upgrading to a higher‐capacity device, and adding extra coil(s).
- Subjects
ARRHYTHMIA treatment; MANUFACTURING industries; IMPLANTABLE cardioverter-defibrillators; HEART assist devices; RISK assessment; VENTRICULAR tachycardia; ELECTRIC countershock; PATIENT safety; DISEASE risk factors; DISEASE complications
- Publication
Pacing & Clinical Electrophysiology, 2024, Vol 47, Issue 2, p222
- ISSN
0147-8389
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/pace.14936