Accelerated Implantable Defibrillator Battery Depletion Secondary to Lithium Cluster Formation: A Case Series

Device failure from unanticipated and precipitous battery depletion is uncommon but can be life-threatening. Multiple mechanisms of battery failure have been previously described in the medical literature.

However, in this current case series, we describe the largest cohort of patients (n = 4) with St. Jude (St. Paul, MN, USA) early implantable defibrillator battery depletion attributable to lithium cluster formation causing short circuit and high current drain.

Clinicians must be aware of this occult cause of device failure and more studies are needed to determine its true prevalence.