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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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Understanding Phantom Shocks in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Recipients
Jason Galo1, Rafey Feroze1, Talal Almas2
1Cardiology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.
Cureus
|February 29, 2024
Summary
Phantom shocks in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) recipients are sensations mimicking therapy shocks, often linked to psychological distress. Early recognition and tailored interventions are crucial for managing these challenging symptoms and improving patient well-being.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Medical Psychology
Background:
- Phantom shocks in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) recipients present a significant clinical challenge, intertwining cardiac device function with psychological distress.
- These events, perceived as therapeutic shocks without device activation, negatively impact patient quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.
Observation:
- Subtle clinical cues are essential for differentiating phantom shocks from genuine ICD therapy shocks.
- A case study highlights the profound psychological toll, including exacerbated fear, hopelessness, and PTSD, even after treatment attempts, sometimes necessitating a shift to comfort-focused care.
Findings:
- Heightened psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, predisposes individuals to phantom shocks.
- Predicting and managing phantom shocks remains challenging, with factors like education level and prior therapy influencing occurrences.
- Current research lacks comprehensive strategies for effective management.
Implications:
- Clinician vigilance and proactive identification of phantom shocks are imperative for timely and tailored interventions.
- Further research is needed to develop targeted therapies and comprehensive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of phantom shocks.
- Addressing both the cardiac and psychological aspects of phantom shocks is crucial for restoring patient control and enhancing their quality of life.
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