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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
Innovative P-wave detection for discrimination between ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia in single-chamber
Will W Xiong1, Pascal Y Karam, James D Marsh
1Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular Division, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Mayo Mail Code 508, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. xion0602@umn.edu
Insights
Optimizing electrogram (EGM) configuration in single-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) significantly improves P-wave detection. This novel approach aids in differentiating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) from ventricular tachycardia (VT), enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Differentiating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) from ventricular tachycardia (VT) is challenging in patients with single-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) due to the absence of visible P waves.
- Optimization of intrathoracic electrogram (EGM) configuration is crucial for improving rhythm detection and diagnosis during tachycardia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative optimization of electrogram (EGM) configuration for P-wave detection and differentiation between SVT and VT in single-chamber ICD patients.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of the Can-SVC EGM configuration compared to the conventional Can-RV coil configuration.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study of 140 patients undergoing single-chamber ICD implantation.
- Analysis of EGM recordings from 61 patients with optimized EGM configuration, comparing Can-SVC and Can-RV coil configurations during sinus rhythm and tachycardia.
- Assessment of P/QRS amplitude ratio, atrioventricular dissociation detection, and P-wave identifiability.
Main Results:
- The Can-SVC EGM configuration demonstrated a 14-fold higher P/QRS amplitude ratio compared to the Can-RV coil configuration during sinus rhythm (P < 0.001).
- Can-SVC configuration increased the odds of detecting atrioventricular dissociation in VT by 15-fold (OR, 15.4; P = 0.0009).
- P-waves were markedly more identifiable in Can-SVC configuration for SVT patients (OR, 40; P = 0.0010).
Conclusions:
- Optimized EGM configuration, specifically the Can-SVC lead, provides a novel and effective diagnostic tool for differentiating VT from SVT in single-chamber ICD patients.
- This approach enhances P-wave recognition, improving diagnostic accuracy and potentially leading to the development of a cost-effective discrimination algorithm.
Aims:
Differentiation between supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) remains a substantial clinical challenge in patients with single-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) due to absence of visible P waves. Innovative optimization of intrathoracic electrogram (EGM) configuration will facilitate P-wave detection and rhythm differentiation during tachycardia.
Methods And Results:
Innovative optimization of EGM configuration was originally performed to improve patient care. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined our database for records of 140 consecutive patients undergoing single-chamber ICD implantation. During the follow-ups of 61 included patients with optimized EGM configuration, 27 patients were identified to have VT and/or SVT. EGMs in the Can (generator) to superior vena cava (Can-SVC) configuration were compared with those conventionally from the Can to right ventricular coil (Can-RV coil) source in the same patients. In Can-SVC EGMs, the ratio of P/QRS amplitude was 14-fold higher (0.57 ± 0.08 vs. 0.04 ± 0.00, P < 0.001) compared with those in Can-RV coil EGMs during sinus rhythm. With Can-SVC configuration, the odds of atrioventricular dissociation detection in patients with VT was increased 15-fold (61.9% vs. 9.5% with Can-RV coil; odds ratio, 15.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.8 to 84.7; P = 0.0009). In patients with SVT, P-waves or retrograde P-waves were markedly more identifiable in Can-SVC configuration compared with Can-RV coil (odds ratio, 40; 95% confidence interval, 3.6 to 447.1; P = 0.0010).
Conclusion:
P-wave recognition by optimizing EGM configuration provides a novel diagnostic tool for differentiation between VT and SVT in single-chamber ICDs. A potential discrimination algorithm would provide a cost-effective approach to improving the qualitative outcomes.
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