Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 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

Expanding the benefits of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy: "is less more"?

Larry R Jackson1, James P Daubert, Kevin L Thomas

  • 1Electrophysiology Section, Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.

Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases
|January 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) save lives but can deliver inappropriate shocks. This review explores strategies like algorithm changes and pacing to reduce these harmful shocks and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy is crucial for patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, improving survival rates.
  • However, inappropriate ICD shocks are a significant concern, potentially increasing patient morbidity and mortality.
  • Inappropriate shocks can occur in up to 35% of patients within 3 years of implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the adverse effects of ICD shocks on patient outcomes.
  • To discuss clinical trial-based programming algorithms aimed at reducing inappropriate ICD shocks.
  • To explore the role of antitachycardia pacing in managing ventricular arrhythmias and minimizing inappropriate shocks.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing clinical trial data and published literature.
  • Analysis of programming algorithm modifications for ICDs.
  • Evaluation of antitachycardia pacing strategies.

Main Results:

  • Inappropriate ICD shocks are associated with adverse patient outcomes.
  • Modified programming algorithms, including longer detection windows and improved supraventricular tachycardia discriminators, show promise in reducing inappropriate shocks.
  • Antitachycardia pacing offers an expanded role in managing ventricular arrhythmias and potentially decreasing inappropriate therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Optimizing ICD programming and utilizing antitachycardia pacing are key strategies to mitigate the risks of inappropriate shocks.
  • These interventions are essential for improving the safety and efficacy of ICD therapy.
  • Further research and implementation of these strategies can enhance patient survival and quality of life.

More Related Videos

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing12:45

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing

Published on: December 11, 2017

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System10:17

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System

Published on: April 11, 2025

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...
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 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,...
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...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use01:23

Cardiopulmonary 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...
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...