The Role of the Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) for Secondary Prevention in the COVID-19 Era

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are reported in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• Severe systemic illness in COVID-19 contributes to the risk of SCA.
• Understanding arrhythmia risk is crucial for managing severe COVID-19 cases.

Observation:

• A case of COVID-19 in New York City rapidly progressed to SCA.
• The patient received a single-lead transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) before discharge.
• This intervention was for secondary prevention of recurrent SCA.

Findings:

• The study highlights the successful use of an automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD).
• The AICD was employed as a secondary preventive measure for SCA.
• This approach was utilized irrespective of the patient's left ventricular function.

Implications:

• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators can be considered for secondary prevention of SCA in COVID-19 survivors.
• This strategy may be effective even when left ventricular dysfunction is not the primary concern.
• Further research is warranted to establish guidelines for ICD use in post-COVID-19 cardiac events.