Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Lead Survival in Athletic Patients

Devices and Athletics: Decision-Making Around Return to Play

Until recently, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) were considered a contraindication to competitive athletics. Recent prospective observational registry data in athletes with ICDs who participated in sports against the societal recommendations at the time have demonstrated the safety of sports participation. While athletes did receive both appropriate and inappropriate shocks, these were not more frequent during sports participation than other activity, and there were no sports-related deaths or need for external resuscitation in the 440 athlete cohort (median followup 44 months). Optimization of medical therapies, device settings and having an emergency action plan allow many athletes to safely continue athletic activity.

Safety of Sports for Patients with Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (SPORT S-ICD): study rationale and protocol

Background

Recent studies suggest that participation in recreational and even competitive sports is generally safe for patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). However, these studies included only patients with implanted transvenous ICD (TV-ICD). Nowadays, subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) is a safe and effective alternative and is increasingly implanted in younger ICD candidates. Data on the safety of sport participation for patients with implanted S-ICD systems is urgently needed.

Objectives

The goal of the study is to quantify the risks (or determine the safety) of sports participation for athletes with an S-ICD, which will guide shared decision making for athletes requiring an ICD and/or wishing to return to sports after implantation.

Methods

The SPORT S-ICD (Sports for Patients with Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) study is an international, multicenter, prospective, noninterventional, observational study, designed specifically to collect data on the safety of sports participation among patients with implanted S-ICD systems who regularly engage in sports activities.

Results

A total of 450 patients will undergo baseline assessment including baseline characteristics, indication for S-ICD implantation, arrhythmic history, S-ICD data and programming, and data regarding sports activities. LATITUDE Home Monitoring information will be regularly transferred to the study coordinator for analysis.

Conclusion

The results of the study will aid in shaping clinical decision making, and if the tested hypothesis will be proven, it will allow the safe continuation of sports for patients with an implanted S-ICD.