Transiliac ICD implantation: Defibrillation vector flexibility produces consistent success

Randomized trial comparing the effectiveness of internal (through implantable cardioverter defibrillator) versus external cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

PURPOSE

When patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) develop symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), external direct current cardioversion (EDCCV), as well as internal cardioversion using their ICD, are the options available. It is currently unknown which of these two methods are more effective. We compared the effectiveness of EDCCV versus internal cardioversion to terminate AF in patients with a single-coil ICD.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrial.gov NCT03164395) enrolled consecutive patients with a single-coil ICD that presented with symptomatic AF of less than 1-year duration. They received either the maximum energy internal shock through the ICD or an EDCCV using transcutaneous pads of 200 J. The primary endpoint was a successful conversion to sinus rhythm after one shock. Crossover was permitted if the first shock was unsuccessful.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were enrolled in the study, including 16 in the internal ICD cardioversion group. The study included patients with a mean age of 59.5 ± 16.0 years, 41.9% females, median AF duration 1 month (interquartile range 1-3), 45.2% non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, mean EF 28.6 ± 16.0%, and 45.2% biventricular ICD. There were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics between the two groups. In the internal cardioversion group, 5/16 patients (31.3%) met the primary endpoint versus 14/15 (93.3%) in the EDCCV group, p < 0.001. All patients that failed the first shock were subsequently cardioverted externally.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with a single-coil ICD and symptomatic AF of less than 1 year, external direct current cardioversion is much more effective than internal shock through the ICD.

Simultaneous leadless pacemaker and subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation-When vascular options have run out

An end-stage renal failure patient who was planned for a left brachioaxillary arteriovenous graft required an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for secondary prevention of ventricular tachycardia and a pacemaker for complete heart block but was found to have a right subclavian venous occlusion. Due to the lack of vascular access, we performed a successful subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) and leadless pacemaker implantation. There was no interaction between the devices at the time of implantation, during defibrillation testing and following an appropriate defibrillation therapy.

Vein Management for Cardiac Device Implantation

Transvenous approaches for pacemaker and defibrillator lead insertion offer numerous advantages over epicardial techniques. Although the cephalic, axillary, and subclavian veins are most commonly used in clinical practice, they each offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages that leave their usage dependent on patient anatomy and physician preference. Alternative methods using the upper and lower venous circulation have been described when these veins are not available or practical for lead insertion. Until current technology is superseded by leadless pacing systems, the search for the optimal lead insertion technique continues.

Novel experience of laser-assisted 'inside-out' central venous access in a patient with bilateral subclavian vein occlusion requiring pacemaker implantation

Aim

This new laser facilitated 'inside-out' technique was used for transvenous pacemaker insertion in a pacemaker-dependent patient with bilateral subclavian occlusion and a failed epicardial system who is not suitable for a transfemoral approach.

Method and results

Procedure was undertaken under general anaesthesia with venous access obtained from right femoral vein and left axillary vein. 7F multipurpose catheter was used to enter proximal edge of the occluded segment of subclavian vein via femoral approach, which then supported stiff angioplasty wires and microcatheters to tunnel into the body of occlusion. When encountered with impenetrable resistance, 1.4 mm Excimer laser helped delivery of a Pilot 200 wire, which then progressed towards the distal edge of occlusion. Serial balloon dilatations allowed wire tracked into subintimal plane, advanced towards left clavicle using knuckle wire technique, which was then externalized with blunt dissection from infraclavicular pocket area. It was later changed to Amplatz superstiff wire exiting from both ends to form a rail, which ultimately allowed passage of pacing leads after serial balloon dilatation from clavicular end.

Conclusion

Our hybrid 'inside-out' technique permitted transvenous pacemaker insertion without complication and this is, to our knowledge, the first case using laser in this context.

Subglandular placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for an improved cosmetic outcome

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) technology has progressed through the years decreasing the size of the device, and its effectiveness in preventing sudden cardiac death has made it a mainstay of treatment for many patients. As the use of ICDs in younger patients has increased, issues with placement of an ICD in the usual prepectoral, infraclavicular region have arisen. Subglandular placement through an inframammary incision provides a unique approach and an aesthetically pleasing outcome for ICD placement. We present a review of the current literature and 3 cases of young female patients who had placement of an ICD using this approach.

Central Vein Stenosis or Occlusion Associated with Cardiac Rhythm Management Device Leads in Hemodialysis Patients with Ipsilateral Arteriovenous Access: A Retrospective Study of Treatment Using Stents or Stent-Grafts

Purpose

Symptomatic central vein stenosis commonly occurs when cardiac rhythm management device (CRMD) leads are placed via the subclavian vein ipsilateral to arteriovenous (AV) hemodialysis (HD) access. The purposes of this study were to determine the outcomes, complications, and patency following stenting of CRMD lead-associated central vein stenosis or occlusion, and to determine the effect of stents on CRMD function.

Methods

Fourteen HD patients with AV access and an ipsilateral CRMD were treated with stents for symptomatic central vein stenosis or occlusion following inadequate response to angioplasty from January 2005 to December 2009. Subsequent access interventions, complications, and outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Cardiology records were examined to assess CRMD function.

Results

Treatment of stenosis or occlusion with angioplasty and stenting resulted in 100% procedural success and no complications. At 6 and 12 months, respectively, primary patency rates were 45.5% and 9.0%; primary-assisted patency rates were 90.9% and 80.0%; secondary patency rates were 100% and 90.0%. There were 42 repeat interventions performed in 12 patients; five received additional stents. The mean number of subsequent interventions was 3.2 per patient (2.1 per patient-year). All CRMD testing demonstrated normal function with no device or lead failure. Seven of the 14 subjects died resulting in a 35.3% annual mortality rate. No deaths were attributable to dysrhythmia or CRMD failure and no patient required CRMD removal or exchange.

Conclusions

Placement of stents for CRMD lead-associated stenosis or occlusion yields high success and low complication rates with no effect on CRMD function. Patency rates are similar to those reported in other series of central venous stents.