Unique sensing errors in third-generation implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

Clinical Electrophysiology Laboratory, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

OBJECTIVES. Third-generation cardioverter-defibrillators appear to be susceptible to unique sensing errors. This study was performed to determine the incidence and types of sensing errors in combination therapy implantable devices. BACKGROUND. One of the advantages offered by third-generation implantable cardioverter-defibrillators is the combination of bradycardia and antitachycardia pacing and cardioversion-defibrillation capabilities in a single device. The potential for unique sensing errors, those caused by the conflicts presented by combining bradycardia and tachycardia sensing and therapy algorithms in the same device, has not been previously addressed. METHODS. To determine the incidence of important sensing errors, 61 patients with a combination therapy device (Cadence [Ventritex] and PCD [Medtronic]) were studied for a 25-month period. In addition to surface electrocardiographic recordings during implantation and routine device testing, real-time and stored electrograms recorded from the rate-sensing leads (Cadence) and real-time marker channel recordings (PCD) were reviewed to diagnose sensing errors that resulted in symptoms, device inefficacy or delivery of inappropriate therapy. After recognition, specific reprogramming steps were performed in an attempt to avoid recurrent sensing errors. RESULTS. A total of 13 sensing errors were diagnosed in 12 patients (19.7%); the incidence was similar in both devices. Five distinct categories of sensing errors were identified. After device reprogramming, only one recurrent error occurred in 98 patient-months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS. Important sensing errors occur in approximately 20% of patients with third-generation combination therapy cardioverter-defibrillators. Prompt diagnosis of sensing errors can lead to specific reprogramming steps to avoid recurrent errors.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. H. Kadish, A. E. Buxton, H. L. Kennedy, B. P. Knight, J. W. Mason, C. D. Schuger, C. M. Tracy, W. L. Winters Jr, A. W. Boone, M. Elnicki, et al. ACC/AHA Clinical Competence Statement on Electrocardiography and Ambulatory Electrocardiography: A Report of the ACC/AHA/ACP-ASIM Task Force on Clinical Competence (ACC/AHA Committee to Develop a Clinical Competence Statement on Electrocardiography and Ambulatory Electrocardiography) Endorsed by the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology Circulation, December 18, 2001; 104(25): 3169 - 3178. [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. H. Kadish, A. E. Buxton, H. L. Kennedy, B. P. Knight, J. W. Mason, C. D. Schuger, C. M. Tracy, W. L. Winters Jr, A. W. Boone, M. Elnicki, et al. ACC/AHA clinical competence statement on electrocardiography and ambulatory electrocardiography: A report of the ACC/AHA/ACP-ASIM Task Force on Clinical Competence (ACC/AHA Committee to Develop a Clinical Competence Statement on Electrocardiography and Ambulatory Electrocardiography) Endorsed by the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., December 1, 2001; 38(7): 2091 - 2100. [Full Text] [PDF]

				J.A Chiladakis, P Davlouros, G Agelopoulos, and A.S Manolis In-vivo testing of digital cellular telephones in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators Eur. Heart J., August 1, 2001; 22(15): 1337 - 1342. [Abstract] [PDF]

				B. Schulte, J. Sperzel, T. Schwarz, H.F. Pitschner, G. Strupp, and J. Neuzner Detection of ventricular fibrillation in implantable defibrillators with automatic gain control amplifiers: Effects of programming sensitivity Europace, January 1, 2000; 2(2): 160 - 162. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M. H. Crawford, S. J. Bernstein, P. C. Deedwania, J. P. DiMarco, K. J. Ferrick, A. Garson Jr, L. A. Green, H. L. Greene, M. J. Silka, P. H. Stone, et al. ACC/AHA guidelines for ambulatory electrocardiography: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Committee to Revise the Guidelines for Ambulatory Electrocardiography) developed in collaboration with the North American Society for Pacing and Electrophysiology J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., September 1, 1999; 34(3): 912 - 948. [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Rosenqvist, T. Beyer, M. Block, K. den Dulk, J. Minten, and F. Lindemans Adverse Events With Transvenous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators : A Prospective Multicenter Study Circulation, August 18, 1998; 98(7): 663 - 670. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. J. Fahy, E. B. Sgarbossa, P. J. Tchou, and S. L. Pinski Hospital Readmission in Patients Treated With Tiered-Therapy Implantable Defibrillators Circulation, September 15, 1996; 94(6): 1350 - 1356. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				S. L. Pinski and G. J. Fahy The Proarrhythmic Potential of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators Circulation, September 15, 1995; 92(6): 1651 - 1664. [Abstract] [Full Text]