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Updated: Mar 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
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Recurrent AICD shocks in a 60-year-old man
Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|March 17, 2016
Summary
A patient with cardiomyopathy experienced recurrent automated implantable cardiac defibrillator (AICD) shocks due to an undiagnosed tachycardia. Further investigation revealed the specific arrhythmia responsible for the AICD interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- A 60-year-old male with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (LVEF 40%) and a history of wide complex tachycardia underwent AICD implantation.
- Baseline ECG showed normal sinus rhythm without pre-excitation or prolonged QT interval.
Observation:
- The patient presented with recurrent, inappropriate AICD shocks at rest, despite amiodarone therapy.
- Mild palpitations were the only reported symptom; no reversible causes for the arrhythmia were identified.
Findings:
- The case highlights a diagnostic challenge in identifying the specific tachycardia triggering AICD shocks.
- Figure 1 provides device electrogram (EGM) data crucial for diagnosing the event.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of tachyarrhythmias is critical for appropriate AICD management and patient care.
- Understanding the EGM characteristics can improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with implanted cardiac devices.
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