Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Inappropriate shock during left ventricular threshold measurement in a patient with coexisting ICD and a
Insights
An inappropriate defibrillator shock occurred during biventricular pacemaker testing in a patient with two separate cardiac devices. This highlights potential system interactions requiring careful management for effective heart failure therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with biventricular pacing is standard for heart failure patients with conduction delays.
- Some patients require separate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and biventricular pacemaker systems.
Observation:
- This case report details an unusual interaction between a biventricular pacemaker and an ICD.
- An inappropriate VVI defibrillator shock was observed during left ventricular threshold measurement.
Findings:
- The interaction occurred due to the presence of two separate cardiac electronic devices.
- Testing of one device (biventricular pacemaker) triggered an adverse event from the other (ICD).
Implications:
- Highlights the need for awareness of potential device interactions in patients with multiple cardiac devices.
- Suggests careful programming and testing protocols are essential to prevent inappropriate shocks during device management.
- Underscores the importance of considering device compatibility and potential electromagnetic interference in complex cardiac device patients.
Abstract:
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) using coronary sinus (CS) leads for biventricular stimulation is an established method for the therapy of congestive heart failure (CHF) in the case of inter- or intraventricular conduction delays. There are some patients having two separate devices: an ICD and a biventricular pacemaker. This case report describes an unusual interaction of these systems: an inappropriate VVI defibrillator shock during left ventricular threshold measurement in a biventricular pacemaker implanted on the other side.
Related Concept Videos
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
