Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Life-saving implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in cardiac AL amyloidosis
Ketna S Patel1, Philip N Hawkins1, Carol J Whelan1
1National Amyloidosis Centre, London, UK.
Abstract:
Cardiac involvement is the main determinant of prognosis in systemic monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are not uncommon. The electrical events that precede sudden death, and their potential to be treated effectively, remain undefined. There are no European guidelines for the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in amyloidosis. ICDs in general are not usually offered to patients with a life expectancy of less than 1 year. We describe a patient who presented with cardiac AL amyloidosis who underwent prophylactic ICD implantation for the prevention of sudden cardiac death during treatment with chemotherapy, in whom life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia was successfully terminated over a 3-year period.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

