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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

Quality of life in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Johnson Francis1, Beena Johnson, Michael Niehaus

  • 1Medical College Calicut, Kerala, India. francisj@calicutmedicalcollege.ac.in

Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Journal
|September 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are life-saving devices, but shocks can negatively impact quality of life. Activating antitachycardia pacing may reduce painful shocks and improve patient well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are crucial for managing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
  • While cost-effective, ICD shock delivery can cause significant psychological distress and reduce perceived quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically analyze the impact of ICDs on patient quality of life.
  • To identify factors influencing quality of life outcomes in ICD recipients.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic meta-analysis of studies reporting quality of life in ICD patients was conducted.
  • Searches included professional databases, related articles, and reference lists.

Main Results:

  • Thirty studies involving 3412 patients were analyzed; 5 were large randomized trials.
  • The Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form health survey was commonly used.
  • Most randomized trials showed neutral or improved quality of life, except for patients receiving shocks.

Conclusions:

  • ICDs generally maintain or improve quality of life for most patients.
  • Patients experiencing shocks reported worsened quality of life.
  • Activating antitachycardia pacing is recommended to minimize painful shocks and improve patient well-being.
Abstract

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