Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
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-defibrillators in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy -- dilemmas and difficulties

Andrzej Przybylski1, Longina Małecka, Mariusz Pytkowski

  • 12nd Coronary Department, Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland. aprzybylski@ikard.pl

Kardiologia Polska
|November 8, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy effectively prevents sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. However, complications, particularly inappropriate shocks due to T-wave oversensing, are common and require careful device programming.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are crucial for preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD).
  • Their use in primary prevention for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients remains debated due to implantation risks and patient selection challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the frequency and types of complications following ICD implantation in HCM patients.
  • To assess long-term safety and efficacy of ICDs in both primary and secondary SCD prevention.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 46 HCM patients received ICDs for primary (n=28) or secondary (n=18) SCD prevention.
  • Follow-up data were analyzed to determine appropriate/inappropriate ICD interventions and complication rates.

Main Results:

  • Appropriate ICD shocks occurred in 55% of secondary and 10% of primary prevention groups.
  • Complications affected 33% of patients, with inappropriate shocks (30%) being most frequent, often due to T-wave oversensing.
  • Infections and lead displacement were less common; no significant differences in complications were noted between primary and secondary prevention groups.

Conclusions:

  • ICD therapy demonstrates high efficacy in SCD prevention for HCM patients.
  • High rates of complications, especially inappropriate shocks, necessitate meticulous device programming and T-wave oversensing prevention strategies.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy 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...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy 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,...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias 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...
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...