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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
The automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: efficacy, complications, and device failures
Annals of Internal Medicine
|April 1, 1986
Summary
The automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) can prevent sudden death in patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias. However, careful patient selection is crucial due to potential complications and drug interactions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Refractory ventricular arrhythmias pose a significant risk of sudden cardiac death.
- The automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) is a therapeutic option for managing these life-threatening arrhythmias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the AICD in patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias.
- To identify complications and device performance issues associated with AICD implantation and use.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 26 patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias received AICD implantation.
- An additional 7 patients received a patch lead during arrhythmia surgery.
- Device performance and patient outcomes were monitored over a mean follow-up of 13 months.
Main Results:
- The AICD successfully treated sustained ventricular arrhythmias in 10 patients, preventing sudden death.
- Thirty-one complications occurred in 17 patients, including heart failure, device erosion, thrombosis, stroke, pneumonia, effusions, and infection.
- Device-related issues included inappropriate discharges, failure to terminate ventricular fibrillation, and premature battery failure.
Conclusions:
- The AICD can be life-saving for selected patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias.
- Potential complications and interactions with antiarrhythmic drugs and pacemakers necessitate careful patient selection.
- Further research is needed to optimize AICD therapy and minimize adverse events.
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