Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
16:40
A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Implantable cardioverter defribrillator shocks: a troubleshooting guide
1Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine
|November 20, 2002
Summary
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) can deliver inappropriate shocks due to oversensing non-arrhythmic signals. Diagnosing these shocks involves verifying true tachyarrhythmias and differentiating ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation from supraventricular tachycardia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are crucial for managing life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
- Inappropriate shocks from ICDs pose significant risks to patients, necessitating accurate diagnostic strategies.
Framework:
- This review outlines a two-step diagnostic approach for evaluating inappropriate ICD shocks.
- The first step involves verifying if the shock was triggered by a true tachyarrhythmia using stored ICD data.
Implementation:
- Oversensing of non-arrhythmic signals is a primary cause of inappropriate ICD shocks.
- Analysis of stored electrograms is essential to differentiate true ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of ICD shocks is critical for patient management and device programming.
- Frequent or repetitive shocks represent an electrophysiologic emergency requiring prompt intervention.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic technique used to identify and evaluate structural and functional diseases of the heart and major blood vessels. This technique diagnoses congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and coronary spasms and assesses ventricular function. It helps guide treatment decisions, including the need for revascularization procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and...
01:26Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management
Nursing responsibilities before cardiac catheterization include:Assess for allergies and establish baseline health status.Before cardiac catheterization, assess the patient for allergies to contrast dye. Perform a comprehensive baseline assessment, including vital signs, heart and breath sounds, and a neurovascular assessment of the extremities, noting distal pulses, skin color, and temperature. Instruct the patient to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure. Evaluate baseline laboratory...
01:25Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
01:23Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...