Initial Experience With Intercostal Insertion of an Extravascular ICD Lead Compatible With Existing Pulse Generators

This study assessed safety and feasibility of a novel extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead when inserted anteriorly through a rib space and connected to various commercially available ICD pulse generators (PGs) placed in either a left mid-axillary or left pectoral pocket. Currently available or investigational, extravascular-ICDs include a subcutaneous or subxiphoid lead connected to customized extravascular-ICD PGs.

This novel extravascular-ICD (AtaCor Medical Inc, San Clemente, CA) employs a unique intercostal implant technique and is designed to function with commercial DF-4 ICD PGs. In this nonrandomized, single-center, acute study, 36 de novo or replacement ICD (transvenous ICD) patients enrolled to receive a concomitant extravascular-ICD lead inserted through an intercostal space along the left parasternal margin. extravascular-ICD leads were connected to DF-4 compatible ICD PGs positioned in either a left mid-axillary or pectoral pocket for acute sensing and defibrillation testing. Defibrillation testing started at 30 Joules (J) and stepped up or down in 5 to 10 joule increments depending on the success and limitations of the generator used.

Successful acute defibrillation using ≤35 J was noted in 100% of left mid-axillary PG subjects (n=27, mean 16.3±8.6 J) and 83% of left pectoral PG subjects (n=6, mean 21.0±8.4 J). Furthermore, 24 of 27 (89%) of patients tested with a left, mid-axillary intermuscular PG had successful VF conversion with defibrillation energies at least 10 J below the maximum delivered output of the device. All evaluable episodes (n=93) were automatically sensed, detected, and shocked. No serious device-related intraoperative adverse events were observed.

This first-in-human study documented the safe and reliable placement of a novel extravascular ICD lead with effective sensing and defibrillation of induced ventricular fibrillation using commercial DF-4 ICD PGs.