Failure rate of the Riata lead under advisory: a report from the CHRS Device Committee

A unique form of lead failure has been described in the Riata (8-F) and Riata ST (7-F) silicone defibrillation lead degradation of the outer insulation, resulting in the externalization of conductor cables.

To assess rates of lead revision due to lead failure in Riata leads affected by the Riata advisory.

Nineteen implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implant and follow-up centers were surveyed.

As of March 1, 2012, there were 5043 known affected leads implanted in Canada. Data on 4358 (86.4%) leads were obtained; 65.3% of these were Riata (8-F) and 32.4% were Riata ST (7-F) leads. The median time from implant to last follow-up was 5 years. Electrical abnormalities were reported in 4.6% of the affected leads; 8.0% of these were found to have concomitant radiographic evidence of externalization. The rate of electrical failure was higher in the 8-F (5.2%) vs 7-F (3.3%) leads (P = .007). Oversensing with or without inappropriate shocks was reported in 39.8% of the leads with confirmed failure. Abnormally high or low impedance values (29.9%) and elevated pacing capture thresholds (43.8%) were frequently reported. One death (0.5%) attributed to lead failure was reported. Among the leads that were replaced, 21% were extracted. Two major complications (1.0%) were attributed to extraction of these leads.

The overall rate of lead failure in the Riata (8-F) and Riata ST (7-F) leads is higher than previously reported by using passive surveillance data. The impact of recent advisories related to these leads is not yet apparent.