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Long-term community hospital experience with the internal defibrillator
J G Porterfield1, L M Porterfield, L Bray
1Methodist Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Implantable defibrillators effectively treat drug-resistant ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation in community hospitals. This technology offers a low-risk, successful alternative for preventing sudden cardiac death.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Drug-refractory ventricular arrhythmias pose a significant risk of sudden cardiac death.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are a crucial treatment option for these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ICD implantation in a large community hospital setting.
- To assess outcomes in patients with drug-refractory ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-seven patients received ICDs for drug-refractory ventricular tachycardia (57) or ventricular fibrillation (20).
- Patients had a mean age of 63 years, with coronary artery disease being the most common diagnosis.
- Follow-up averaged 16 months, during which ICD performance and patient survival were monitored.
Main Results:
- No intraoperative mortalities occurred.
- Four patients died during follow-up (2.6% mortality rate).
- 72% of patients received an average of 9 shocks, indicating device effectiveness in managing arrhythmias.
Conclusions:
- ICD implantation is safe and effective in community hospitals, with outcomes comparable to university centers.
- ICDs are vital for preventing arrhythmic death in high-risk patients.
- This technology can be successfully administered with low patient risk.