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Lenormand T, Bodin A, Fauchier L. The Role of the Wearable Defibrillator in Heart Failure. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2024; 21:33-42. [PMID: 38236485 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-023-00641-x] [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] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs) have been developed as a temporary measure for protecting patients at risk for sudden cardiac death that do not meet the indication for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), most notably in the early stages of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction before reassessment of their left ventricular ejection fraction. In this review, we report available evidence in the literature and guidelines regarding WCD use in order to try to define the role WCDs may have in heart failure. RECENT FINDINGS In the last decade, most observational studies found WCDs to be both safe and effective in terminating ventricular arrhythmias in various indications, mostly centered around heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The only available randomized controlled trial using WCD did not however show a benefit on patients' survival. Hence, recent guidelines only recommended its use in limited indications. Recent data also suggest a possible interest of WCD in monitoring patients, a finding that may prove useful in the context of new-onset heart failure. Data regarding WCD benefit is scarce, and definitive conclusions on its utility are hard to draw. In the context of heart failure, and particularly new-onset heart failure, WCD might find a role in a global comprehensive management of the disease, both acting as an educational tool, a monitoring tool, and, most importantly, a safe and effective tool in preventing sudden cardiac death. The low level of evidence however invites caution, and the decision of prescribing a WCD needs to be individualized and thoroughly discussed with the patient whose compliance is key with this device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Lenormand
- Service de Cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Trousseau, Faculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - Alexandre Bodin
- Service de Cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Trousseau, Faculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - Laurent Fauchier
- Service de Cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Trousseau, Faculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, Tours, France.
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Garcia R, Warming PE, Narayanan K, Defaye P, Guedon-Moreau L, Blangy H, Piot O, Leclercq C, Marijon E. Dynamic changes in nocturnal heart rate predict short-term cardiovascular events in patients using the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator: from the WEARIT-France cohort study. Europace 2023; 25:euad062. [PMID: 37021342 PMCID: PMC10227653 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS While elevated resting heart rate measured at a single point of time has been associated with cardiovascular outcomes, utility of continuous monitoring of nocturnal heart rate (NHR) has never been evaluated. We hypothesized that dynamic NHR changes may predict, at short term, impending cardiovascular events in patients equipped with a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD). METHODS AND RESULTS The WEARIT-France prospective cohort study enrolled heart failure patients with WCD between 2014 and 2018. Night-time was defined as midnight to 7 a.m. NHR initial trajectories were classified into four categories based on mean NHR in the first week (High/Low) and NHR evolution over the second week (Up/Down) of WCD use. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization. A total of 1013 [61 (interquartile range, IQR 53-68) years, 16% women, left ventricular ejection fraction 26% (IQR 22-30)] were included. During a median WCD wear duration of 68 (IQR 44-90) days, 58 patients (6%) experienced 69 events. After considering potential confounders, High-Up NHR trajectory was significantly associated with the primary endpoint compared to Low-Down [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 6.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.56-14.45, P < 0.001]. Additionally, a rise of >5 bpm in weekly average NHR from the preceding week was associated with 2.5 higher composite event risk (HR 2.51, 95% CI 1.22-5.18, P = 0.012) as well as total mortality (HR 11.21, 95% CI 3.55-35.37, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular hospitalization (HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.51-4.82, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Dynamic monitoring of NHR may allow timely identification of impending cardiovascular events, with the potential for 'pre-emptive' action. REGISTRATION NUMBER Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT03319160.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigue Garcia
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique CIC1402, CHU Poitiers, 86000, Poitiers, France
| | - Peder Emil Warming
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Kumar Narayanan
- Department of Cardiology, Medicover Hospitals, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, India
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PARCC, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Pascal Defaye
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble 38043, France
| | | | - Hugues Blangy
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Nancy, Vandoeuvre-Lès-Nancy 54500, France
| | - Olivier Piot
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology Center of Nord, Saint Denis 93200, France
| | - Christophe Leclercq
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Pontchaillou, Rennes 35000, France
| | - Eloi Marijon
- Department of Cardiology, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris Cedex 15, 75908, France
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PARCC, F-75015 Paris, France
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Iliodromitis K, Balogh Z, Triposkiadis F, Deftereos S, Vrachatis D, Bimpong-Buta NY, Schiedat F, Bogossian H. Assessing physical activity with the wearable cardioverter defibrillator in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1176710. [PMID: 37252123 PMCID: PMC10213313 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1176710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD), (LifeVest, ZOLL, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) is a medical device designed for the temporary detection and treatment of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. WCD telemonitoring features enable the evaluation of the physical activity (PhA) of the patients. We sought to assess with the WCD the PhA of patients with newly diagnosed heart failure. Methods We collected and analyzed the data of all patients treated with the WCD in our clinic. Patients with newly diagnosed ischemic, or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and severely reduced ejection fraction, who were treated with the WCD for at least 28 consecutive days and had a compliance of at least 18 h the day were included. Results Seventy-seven patients were eligible for analysis. Thirty-seven patients suffered from ischemic and 40 from non-ischemic heart disease. The average days the WCD was carried was 77.3 ± 44.6 days and the mean wearing time was 22.8 ± 2.1 h. The patients showed significantly increased PhA measured by daily steps between the first two and the last two weeks (Mean steps in the first 2 weeks: 4,952.6 ± 3,052.7 vs. mean steps in the last 2 weeks: 6,119.6 ± 3,776.2, p-value: < 0.001). In the end of the surveillance period an increase of the ejection fraction was observed (LVEF-before: 25.8 ± 6.6% vs. LVEF-after: 37.5 ± 10.6%, p < 0.001). Improvement of the EF did not correlate with the improvement of PhA. Conclusion The WCD provides useful information regarding patient PhA and may be additionally utilized for early heart failure treatment adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Iliodromitis
- Clinic for Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Evangelical Hospital Hagen-Haspe, Hagen, Germany
- School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Balogh
- Clinic for Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Evangelical Hospital Hagen-Haspe, Hagen, Germany
| | | | - Spyridon Deftereos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vrachatis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nana-Yaw Bimpong-Buta
- Clinic for Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Evangelical Hospital Hagen-Haspe, Hagen, Germany
- School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Fabian Schiedat
- Clinic for Cardiology, Marienhospital Gelsenkirchen Academic Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Harilaos Bogossian
- Clinic for Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Evangelical Hospital Hagen-Haspe, Hagen, Germany
- School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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Casolo G, Gulizia MM, Aschieri D, Chinaglia A, Corda M, Nassiacos D, Caico SI, Chimenti C, Giaccardi M, Gotti E, Maffé S, Magnano R, Solarino G, Gabrielli D, Oliva F, Colivicchi F. ANMCO position paper: guide to the appropriate use of the wearable cardioverter defibrillator in clinical practice for patients at high transient risk of sudden cardiac death. Eur Heart J Suppl 2023; 25:D294-D311. [PMID: 37213799 PMCID: PMC10194821 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suad101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Extended risk stratification and optimal management of patients with a permanently increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) are becoming increasingly important. There are several clinical conditions where the risk of arrhythmic death is present albeit only transient. As an example, patients with depressed left ventricular function have a high risk of SCD that may be only transient if there will be a significant recovery of function. It is important to protect the patients while receiving and titrating to the optimal dose the recommended drugs that may lead to an improved left ventricular function. In several other conditions, a transient risk of SCD can be observed even if the left ventricular function is not compromised. Examples are patients with acute myocarditis, during the diagnostic work-up of some arrhythmic conditions or after extraction of infected catheters while eradicating the associated infection. In all these conditions, it is important to offer a protection to these patients. The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is of particular importance as a temporary non-invasive technology for both arrhythmia monitoring and therapy in patients with increased risk of SCD. Previous studies have shown the WCD to be an effective and safe therapy for the prevention of SCD caused by ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation. The aim of this ANMCO position paper is to provide a recommendation for clinical utilization of the WCD in Italy, based upon current data and international guidelines. In this document, we will review the WCD functionality, indications, clinical evidence, and guideline recommendations. Finally, a recommendation for the utilization of the WCD in routine clinical practice will be presented, in order to provide physicians with a practical guidance for SCD risk stratification in patients who may benefit from this device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Casolo
- Corresponding author. Tel +39 0584 6057119, Fax +39 0584 6059897, Emails: ;
| | - Michele Massimo Gulizia
- U.O.C. Cardiology, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione ‘Garibaldi’, Catania
| | | | | | - Marco Corda
- S.C. Cardiology-UTIC, ARNAS ‘G. Brotzu’, Cagliari
| | - Daniele Nassiacos
- U.O.C Cardiology-UTIC, P.O. Saronno, ASST Valle Olona, Saronno, Varese
| | | | - Cristina Chimenti
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome
| | - Marzia Giaccardi
- U.O. Cardiology, Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, Bagno a Ripoli, Florence
| | - Enrico Gotti
- Department of Nephrological, Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Baggiovara Civil Hospital, Modena
| | - Stefano Maffé
- U.O. Cardiology, SS Trinità Hospital, ASL NO, Borgomanero, Novara
| | | | | | - Domenico Gabrielli
- U.O.C. Cardiology, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Rome
- Fondazione per il Tuo cuore—Heart Care Foundation, Florence
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- Cardiology 1-Emodinamics, Cardiothoracovascular Department ‘A. De Gasperis’, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- U.O.C. Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology, Presidio Ospedaliero San Filippo Neri—ASL Roma 1, Rome
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Usage of the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator during pregnancy. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2022; 41:101066. [PMID: 35676917 PMCID: PMC9168609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2022.101066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Pregnancy can trigger or aggravate the risk for life-threating arrhythmias in cardiac diseases. Pregnancy is associated with reluctance for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) due to concerns about radiation. Thus, the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) might be an option during pregnancy. Aim of the study was to collect experiences about the use of WCD in pregnancy. Methods and results This study retrospectively included eight women who received a WCD during pregnancy. They suffered from ventricular tachycardia (VT) without known cardiac disease (n = 3), Brugada syndrome (n = 1), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 1), dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 1), non-compaction (n = 1), and survived sudden cardiac arrest during a preceding pregnancy (n = 1). WCD usage was started between 13 and 28 weeks of gestation. WCD wearing period ranged from 3 days to 30.9 weeks, WCD wearing time ranged from 13.0 to 23.7 h per day. Two women (25%) abandoned WCD already during pregnancy. Neither appropriate nor inappropriate WCD shocks were recorded. Antiarrhythmic management included beta-blockers (n = 5) and flecainide (n = 2). After delivery, ICD were implanted (n = 4), refused (n = 2) and estimated not necessary after successful catheter ablation (n = 2). Conclusion Uneventful pregnancy is possible in women at risk for sudden cardiac death by interdisciplinary monitoring and diligent pharmacotherapy protected by the WCD. Since no WCD shocks were recorded, the effectiveness of WCD during pregnancy is still unclear. However, arrhythmia detection by WCD was very good despite the changed anatomy in pregnancy. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to assess effectiveness of WCD in pregnant women. Furthermore, efforts should be made to increase the wearing adherence of WCD during pregnancy.
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Rohrer U, Manninger M, Zirlik A, Scherr D. Multiparameter Monitoring with a Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 22:s22010022. [PMID: 35009564 PMCID: PMC8747379 DOI: 10.3390/s22010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
A wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) is a temporary treatment option for patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) and for patients who are temporarily not candidates for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). In addition, the need for telemedical concepts in the detection and treatment of heart failure (HF) and its arrhythmias is growing. The WCD has evolved from a shock device detecting malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and treating them with shocks to a heart-failure-monitoring device that captures physical activity and cardioacoustic biomarkers as surrogate parameters for HF to help the treating physician surveil and guide the HF therapy of each individual patient. In addition to its important role in preventing SCD, the WCD could become an important tool in heart failure treatment by helping prevent HF events by detecting imminent decompensation via remote monitoring and monitoring therapy success.
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