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Updated: May 24, 2026
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A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Cost implications of defibrillator lead failures
John D Groarke1, Una Buckley, Damien Collison
1Department of Cardiology, St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland. johngroarke1@eircom.net
Summary
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead failures are increasing, leading to significant costs. These expenses, particularly those related to hospital stays, must be considered in future cost-effectiveness analyses of ICD therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Device Technology
- Health Economics
Background:
- The number of patients receiving implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is growing.
- Defibrillator lead failures are becoming more common in this expanding patient population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the financial burden associated with managing defibrillator lead failures.
- To determine the cost per lead replacement procedure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who required defibrillator lead replacement.
- Data on admissions, length of hospital stay, and procedure-related costs were collected and analyzed.
- Costs were compared between patients receiving new generators versus those retaining existing ones, and between inpatient and outpatient procedures.
Main Results:
- The median cost per lead replacement was €7660, with bed day costs comprising 54% of the total.
- Patients receiving a new ICD generator incurred significantly higher costs (€23,394) compared to those retaining their generator (€4470).
- While not statistically significant, patients hospitalized pending lead replacement had higher costs than those undergoing outpatient procedures.
Conclusions:
- Defibrillator lead failures represent a substantial cost that may impact the overall cost-effectiveness of ICDs.
- Future cost-effectiveness evaluations of device therapies should incorporate the financial implications of lead failures and associated complications.
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