Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Entirely subcutaneous defibrillator and complex congenital heart disease: Data on long-term clinical follow-up
Paolo Ferrero1, Hussam Ali1, Palash Barman1
1Paolo Ferrero, Palash Barman, Alan Graham Stuart, Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom.
Insights
Subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillators (S-ICDs) show promise for managing complex congenital heart disease. Long-term follow-up indicates S-ICDs are safe and effective, with low rates of complications and appropriate shocks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Complex congenital heart disease (CHD) presents unique challenges for cardiac rhythm management.
- Subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillators (S-ICDs) offer an alternative to transvenous systems, potentially reducing complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of S-ICDs in patients with complex CHD.
- To assess local complications, appropriate shocks, and inappropriate shocks in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of eight patients with complex CHD who underwent S-ICD implantation using the conventional technique across two centers.
- Data collected from clinical notes and institutional databases for long-term follow-up.
Main Results:
- Median follow-up was 874 days.
- One patient experienced an appropriate shock due to fast atrial tachycardia.
- One patient had an inappropriate shock for the same reason. One device was explanted due to infection. No T wave oversensing or device interference occurred.
Conclusions:
- S-ICDs demonstrate effectiveness and safety in patients with complex congenital heart disease.
- The technology appears well-tolerated, with a low incidence of significant complications in this cohort.
Aim:
To describe the long-term follow-up of patients with complex congenital heart disease who underwent subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillator (S-ICD), focusing on local complications, appropriate and inappropriate shocks.
Methods:
Patients with complex congenital heart disease underwent S-ICD implant in two centers with the conventional technique. Data at follow-up were retrieved from clinical notes and institutional database.
Results:
Eight patients were implanted in two centres between 2010 and 2016. Median age at implant was 37.5 years (range 13-57). All patients who were deemed suitable for S-ICD implant passed the pre-procedural screening. Three patients were previously implanted with a anti-bradycardia device, one of whom with CRT. In one patient the device was explanted due to local infection. During the total median follow-up of 874 d, one patient had an appropriate and one inappropriate shock triggered by fast atrial tachycardia. None of the patients had inappropriate shocks secondary to T wave oversensing or electrical interference with anti- bradycardia devices.
Conclusion:
S-ICD appears to be effective and safe in patients with complex congenital heart disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
01:30Pulse rhythm
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies