Potential proarrhythmic effects of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) interventions have the potential to be proarrhythmogenic. New arrhythmias can occur in the setting of clinically appropriate therapies, as well as during a cardiac rhythm for which therapy is not intended. Cardioversion/defibrillation therapies, antitachycardia pacing, and antibradycardia pacing are potential triggers for the development of new arrhythmias. Newer ICDs allow better recognition and interpretation of the arrhythmias that are induced by delivered therapies. Two cases of ICD-induced proarrhythmias are described. Based on the course of these patients and review of previous reports, proarrhythmic effects of ICD interventions along with prevention and management strategies are discussed.