Related Experiment Videos
Excessive charge time delaying ventricular tachycardia therapy
1Department of Internal Medicine, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis 46202, USA.
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
|September 28, 2001
Summary
A patient experienced syncope due to implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) malfunction, specifically a slow capacitor charge time. Replacing the ICD generator resolved the issue, restoring normal function and patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are crucial for managing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
- Single-chamber ICDs are commonly used for patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT).
- Device malfunction can lead to suboptimal therapy delivery and adverse patient events.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male patient with an ICD for ventricular tachycardia presented with syncope.
- Device interrogation revealed ventricular flutter/fibrillation.
- A significantly prolonged capacitor charge time exceeding 1 minute was noted before defibrillation.
Findings:
- The excessive ICD capacitor charge time was diagnosed as a device malfunction.
- The implantable cardioverter defibrillator generator was explanted due to the capacitor failure.
- A new generator was implanted, successfully resolving the malfunction.
Implications:
- ICD capacitor malfunction can compromise defibrillation efficacy, leading to syncope.
- Prompt diagnosis and generator replacement are essential for patient safety.
- This case highlights the importance of regular device monitoring and awareness of potential failure modes in ICD therapy.