ICD Lead Design and the Management of Patients with Lead Failure
Gautham Kalahasty1, Kenneth A Ellenbogen2
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, PO Box 980053, VA 23298-0053, USA.
Abstract:
The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead is critical to the function of the ICD system. The mortality reduction associated with ICDs implanted for primary prevention indications has been made possible by the development of effective and reliable transvenous ICD leads. Mortality rates for implantation of transvenous ICD lead systems are currently less than 0.5%. The reliability and functional characteristics of a lead are often not known until it has been in widespread use. An understanding of the mechanism of lead failure is essential for proper patient management. This article describes the design and construction of ICD leads, discusses lead failure, and reviews subsequent management of patients.
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