Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator(ICD)

Kim, Yong Hoon; Kim, June Soo

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) has become the standard treatment for patients with life-threatening or potentially life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the various clinical outcomes and courses of patients with ICD implantation from the perioperative period to the follow-up period. SUBJCETS AND METHODS: We evaluated 12 patients (M:F=11:1) who underwent ICD implantation between October 20, 1999, and August 30, 2003. Clinical characteristics and adverse events were monitored and recorded from the in-hospital period to the follow-up period. Only one patient received dual chamber ICD.
RESULTS
The mean age of the patients at implantation was 56+/-13 years. The average duration of follow-up was 17.9+/-10.9 months. During the initial perioperative period, there were 8 events in 5 patients:ventricular lead dislodgement (n=1), electrical storm (n=1), difficulty in inserting ICD lead (n=1), appropriate shock (n=1), high DFT (Defibrillation Threshold, n=2), and hematoma (n=2). During the follow-up period, there were 6 events in 5 patients: atrial lead dislodgement (n=1), exchange of generator (n=1), upgrade to ICD with biventricular pacing (n=1), electrical storm with inappropriate shock (n=1), electric storm with appropriate shock (n=1), and appropriate shock without electric storm (n=1).
CONCLUSION
We found that the clinical courses and outcomes were complex and varied from the perioperative period to the follow-up period. Thus, the therapeutic modality should be adjusted to individual and specific clinical circumstances.