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Kontopidis AG, Czeisler MÉ, Yoo DH, Whittaker O, Pipilas DC, Mela T. Noninvasive Impedance Analysis During S-ICD Insertion Provides Justification for Defibrillation Based Testing Deferment. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2025. [PMID: 40356268 DOI: 10.1111/pace.15199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2025] [Accepted: 04/23/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) insertion, induction of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and defibrillation threshold testing (DFT) is the standard of practice to assess system performance. In contrast, DFT testing is not routinely performed after transvenous ICD (T-ICD) insertion, supported by literature that emphasizes negative clinical repercussions and reliability of noninvasive predictors of successful defibrillation. There is a paucity of data for both the trajectory of noninvasive low voltage (LV) impedance measurements at S-ICD insertion through the time of potential DFT testing and for the proximity of LV impedance measurements and high voltage (HV) shock impedance from 65J DFT or 10J testing. OBJECTIVE We aim to characterize the trend in LV impedance from initial S-ICD connection (LV T0) to final intraprocedural impedance (LV T4) and to compare LV impedance with HV impedance. METHODS Data from patients who underwent S-ICD implantation between July 2022 and March 2024 were analyzed. LV impedance measurements were collected during implant and HV impedance measurements were collected if 65J DFT/10J testing was performed. Differences in mean impedances at each time point were evaluated using paired t-tests. For those who underwent 10J or 65J DFT testing, LV impedance was compared with HV impedance. RESULTS The primary analytic sample included 53 patients, with a mean age of 51 ± 15.7 years; 16 (30.2%) were female. LV impedance decreased by a mean of 14.5 ± 9.8 ohms (18.3%; p <0.001) from S-ICD connection (T0) to the final intraprocedural measurement, approximately 60 min postimplant (T4). Among 35 patients who underwent HV testing (65J DFT or 10J), LV impedance at T4 and HV impedance did not differ significantly (1.7 ± 6.3 ohms; p = 0.116). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate a predictable reduction in LV impedance from S-ICD connection to subsequent intraprocedural measurements. We also found that LV impedance at LV T4, the final intraprocedural measurement, did not significantly differ from contemporaneous HV impedance. Together, these findings indicate that LV impedance at implant can be expected to decline, and that 60-min postimplant LV impedance may reliably approximate HV impedance. Evaluation of circumstances in which LV impedance could influence the decision to perform DFT testing is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas G Kontopidis
- Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - David H Yoo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Daniel C Pipilas
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Theofanie Mela
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Hermes J, Molitor N, Breitenstein A. Air entrapment causing ventricular oversensing early after implantation of an extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2024; 10:601-604. [PMID: 39355824 PMCID: PMC11440129 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2024.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hermes
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Molitor
- Cardiology Department, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Wörmann J, Strik M, Jurisic S, Stout K, Elrefai M, Becher N, Schaer B, van Stipdonk A, Srinivasan NT, Ploux S, Breitenstein A, Kron J, Roberts PR, Toennis T, Linz D, Dulai R, Hermes-Laufer J, Koneru J, Erküner Ö, Dittrich S, van den Bruck JH, Schipper JH, Sultan A, Rosenberger KD, Steven D, Lüker J. Incidence, implications, and management of sense-B-noise failure in subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator patients: insights from a large multicentre registry. Europace 2024; 26:euae161. [PMID: 38861398 PMCID: PMC11212320 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (S-ICDs) offer potentially distinct advantages over transvenous defibrillator systems. Recent randomized trials showed significantly lower lead failure rates than transvenous ICD. Still, S-ICDs remain associated with the risk of inappropriate shocks (IAS). While previous studies have reported varying causes of IAS, this study explores a rare cause of IAS, referred to as 'sense-B-noise.' It was recently described in case series, but its incidence has not been studied in a large cohort of S-ICD patients. METHODS AND RESULTS We retrospectively reviewed data from patients implanted with S-ICD models 1010, A209, and A219 between October 2009 and July 2023 across nine centres in Europe and the USA. The analysis concentrated on determining the incidence and understanding the implications of sense-B-noise events. Sense-B-noise represents a rare manifestation of distinct electrogram abnormalities within the primary and alternate sensing vectors. Data were collected from medical records, device telemetry, and manufacturer reports for investigation. This registry is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05713708). Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator devices of the 1158 patients were analysed. The median follow-up time for all patients was 46 (IQR 23-64) months. In 107 patients (9.2%) ≥1 IAS was observed during follow-up. Sense-B-noise failure was diagnosed in six (0.5 and 5.6% of all IAS) patients, in all patients, the diagnosis was made after an IAS episode. Median lead dwell time in the affected patients was 23 (2-70) months. To resolve the sense-B-noise defect, in three patients reprogramming to the secondary vector was undertaken, and two patients underwent system removal with subsequent S-ICD reimplantation due to low amplitude in the secondary vector. In one patient, the secondary vector was initially programmed, and subsequently, an S-ICD system exchange was performed due to T-wave-oversensing IAS episodes. CONCLUSION This multicentre analysis' findings shed light on a rare but clinically highly significant adverse event in S-ICD therapy. To our knowledge, we provide the first systematic multicentre analysis investigating the incidence of sense-B-noise. Due to being difficult to diagnose and limited options for resolution, management of sense-B-noise is challenging. Complete system exchange may be the only option for some patients. Educating healthcare providers involved in S-ICD patient care is crucial for ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective management of sense-B-noise issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Wörmann
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center at the University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Marc Strik
- CHU de Bordeaux, service de Cardiologie-électrophysiologie et stimulation cardiaque, INSERM, U 1045, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Stjepan Jurisic
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kara Stout
- Cardiology, VCU Health Pauley Heart Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Mohamed Elrefai
- Cardiac Rhythm Management Research Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Nina Becher
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Beat Schaer
- Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antonius van Stipdonk
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Neil T Srinivasan
- Department of Electrophysiology, The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, Basildon, UK
- Circulatory Health Research Group, Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Sylvain Ploux
- CHU de Bordeaux, service de Cardiologie-électrophysiologie et stimulation cardiaque, INSERM, U 1045, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexander Breitenstein
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jordana Kron
- Cardiology, VCU Health Pauley Heart Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Paul R Roberts
- Cardiac Rhythm Management Research Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Tobias Toennis
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Linz
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rajdip Dulai
- Department of Electrophysiology, The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, Basildon, UK
| | - Julia Hermes-Laufer
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jay Koneru
- Cardiology, VCU Health Pauley Heart Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ömer Erküner
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Dittrich
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center at the University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik van den Bruck
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center at the University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik Schipper
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center at the University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Arian Sultan
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center at the University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Kerstin D Rosenberger
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology (IMSB), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Steven
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center at the University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jakob Lüker
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center at the University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
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Taguchi Y, Ishikawa T, Matsumoto K, Narikawa M, Okazaki Y, Miyagawa S, Horigome A, Hosoda J. Subcutaneous air entrapment after subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation evaluated by computed tomography. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 47:496-502. [PMID: 38462721 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inappropriate shock (IAS) caused by subcutaneous air entrapment (AE) in an early period after subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation has been reported, however, no detailed data on air volume are available. We evaluated the subcutaneous air volume after implantation and its absorption rate one week after implantation. METHODS Patients who underwent S-ICD implantation in our hospital received chest CT scans immediately after implantation and followed up 1 week later. The total subcutaneous air volume, air around the generator, the distal electrode, and the proximal electrode within 3 cm were calculated using a three-dimensional workstation. Fat areas at the level of the lower edge of the generator were also analyzed. RESULT Fifteen patients received CT immediately after implantation. The mean age was 45.6 ± 17.9 (66.7% of men), and the mean body mass index was 24.3 ± 3.3. The three-incision technique was applied in seven patients and two-incision technique was in the latter eight patients. The mean total subcutaneous air volume was 18.54 ± 7.50 mL. Air volume around the generator, the distal electrode, and the proximal electrode were 11.05 ± 5.12, 0.72 ± 0.72, and 0.88 ± 0.87 mL, respectively. Twelve patients received a follow-up CT 1 week later. The mean total subcutaneous air was 0.25 ± 0.45 mL, showing a 98.7% absorption rate. CONCLUSION Although subcutaneous air was observed in all patients after S-ICD implantation, most of the air was absorbed within 1 week, suggesting a low occurrence of AE-related IAS after a week postoperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Taguchi
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama-City, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ishikawa
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama-City, Japan
| | - Katsumi Matsumoto
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama-City, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Narikawa
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama-City, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Okazaki
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama-City, Japan
| | - Shuichi Miyagawa
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama-City, Japan
| | - Akira Horigome
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama-City, Japan
| | - Junya Hosoda
- Department of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama-City, Japan
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Francia P, Ziacchi M, Adduci C, Ammendola E, Pieragnoli P, De Filippo P, Rapacciuolo A, Rella V, Migliore F, Viani S, Musumeci MB, Biagini E, Lovecchio M, Baldini R, Falasconi G, Autore C, Biffi M, Cecchi F. Clinical course of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients implanted with a transvenous or subcutaneous defibrillator. Europace 2023; 25:euad270. [PMID: 37724686 PMCID: PMC10507661 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) at risk of sudden cardiac death. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator complications are of concern. The subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) does not use transvenous leads and is expected to reduce complications. However, it does not provide bradycardia and anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). The aim of this study was to compare appropriate and inappropriate ICD interventions, complications, disease-related adverse events and mortality between HCM patients implanted with a S- or transvenous (TV)-ICD. METHODS AND RESULTS Consecutive HCM patients implanted with a S- (n = 216) or TV-ICD (n = 211) were enrolled. Propensity-adjusted cumulative Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazard ratios were used to compare 5-year event-free survival and the risk of events. The S-ICD patients had lower 5-year risk of appropriate (HR: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.15-0.65; P = 0.002) and inappropriate (HR: 0.44; 95%CI: 0.20-0.95; P = 0.038) ICD interventions, driven by a high incidence of ATP therapy in the TV-ICD group. The S- and TV-ICD patients experienced similar 5-year rate of device-related complications, albeit the risk of major lead-related complications was lower in S-ICD patients (HR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.038-0.79; P = 0.023). The TV- and S-ICD patients displayed similar risk of disease-related complications (HR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.27-1.52; P = 0.309) and mortality (HR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.29-1.87; P = 0.521). CONCLUSION Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients implanted with a S-ICD had lower 5-year risk of appropriate and inappropriate ICD therapies as well as of major lead-related complications as compared to those implanted with a TV-ICD. Long-term comparative follow-up studies will clarify whether the lower incidence of major lead-related complications will translate into a morbidity or survival benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Francia
- Cardiology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Ziacchi
- Institute of Cardiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmen Adduci
- Cardiology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernesto Ammendola
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Pieragnoli
- Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Rapacciuolo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Rella
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Migliore
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Viani
- Second Cardiology Division, Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Musumeci
- Cardiology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Biagini
- Institute of Cardiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Baldini
- Cardiology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Falasconi
- Campus Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Camillo Autore
- Cardiology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Biffi
- Institute of Cardiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Franco Cecchi
- Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Budrejko S, Kempa M, Przybylski A. S-ICD Implantation "Tips and Tricks". Rev Cardiovasc Med 2023; 24:195. [PMID: 39077023 PMCID: PMC11266475 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2407195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was developed to provide protection against sudden cardiac death. Despite being effective in terminating ventricular arrhythmias, traditional transvenous ICDs appeared over time to have certain limitations related to the need for vascular access and the presence of foreign material inside the circulatory system (namely lead failure and infections). A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) was developed to overcome those limitations and to provide prevention against sudden cardiac death from outside the cardiovascular system. Utilization of that modern method of treatment is constantly increasing worldwide, and new centers incorporate implantation of that system in their portfolio. This review aims to present the most relevant issues related to S-ICD implantation procedure, based on experience of the authors and an extensive literature search.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Budrejko
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Kempa
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Andrzej Przybylski
- 1st Department of Cardiology with the Acute Coronary Syndromes Subdivision, Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
- Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
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Iavarone M, Ammendola E, Rago A, Russo V. Air entrapment as a cause of early inappropriate shocks after subcutaneous defibrillator implant: A case series. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J 2023; 23:84-87. [PMID: 36746306 PMCID: PMC10160740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ipej.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate shock (IAS) is the most frequent device-related complication among patients with subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD). Air entrapment (AE) has been described as an underdiagnosed cause of early postimplant IAS. We report 6 consecutive cases of early IAS after S-ICD implant, in whom the electrogram analysis (EGM) and/or chest radiography (CXR) were consistent with AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Iavarone
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Ernesto Ammendola
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Rago
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy.
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Haeberlin A, Burri H, Schaer B, Koepfli P, Grebmer C, Breitenstein A, Reichlin T, Noti F. Sense-B-noise: an enigmatic cause for inappropriate shocks in subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Europace 2022; 25:767-774. [PMID: 36353759 PMCID: PMC9935013 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) are well established. However, inappropriate shocks (IAS) remain a source of concern since S-ICDs offer very limited troubleshooting options. In our multicentre case series, we describe several patients who experienced IAS due to a previously unknown S-ICD system issue. METHODS AND RESULTS We observed six patients suffering from this novel IAS entity. The IAS occurred exclusively in primary or alternate S-ICD sensing vector configuration (therefore called 'Sense-B-noise'). IAS were caused by non-physiologic oversensing episodes characterized by intermittent signal saturation, diminished QRS amplitudes, and disappearance of the artefacts after the IAS. Noise/oversensing could not be provoked by manipulation, X-ray did not show evidence for lead/header issues and impedance measurements were within normal limits. The pooled experience of our centres implies that up to ∼5% of S-ICDs may be affected. The underlying root cause was discussed extensively with the manufacturer but remains unknown and is under further investigation. CONCLUSION Sense-B-noise is a novel cause for IAS due to non-physiologic signal oversensing, arising from a previously unknown S-ICD system issue. Sense-B-noise may be suspected if episodes of signal saturation in primary or alternate vector configuration are present, oversensing cannot be provoked, and X-ray and electrical measurements appear normal. The issue can be resolved by reprogramming the device to secondary sensing vector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haran Burri
- University Hospital of Geneva, Cardiology Department, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Beat Schaer
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Christian Grebmer
- Department of Cardiology, Kantonsspital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Noti
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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