Worldwide data analysis of BIOTRONIK ICD and CRT-D battery longevity

Battery longevity is a key consideration in the selection of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds), with implications for both clinical outcomes and healthcare costs. A recent study suggested shorter-than-expected battery life for BIOTRONIK devices, prompting a comprehensive internal analysis. This analysis aimed to evaluate the real-world battery longevity of BIOTRONIK high-voltage devices (ICDs and CRT-Ds) across three generations, using global remote monitoring data.

A total of 215,471 BIOTRONIK devices implanted between 2006 and 2024 were analyzed using data from the BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring Service Center. Devices were grouped into three generations (BIO 2000, 2010, 2020) and stratified by type: single-chamber ICD (VR), dual-chamber ICD (DR), CRT-D, and single-lead ICD with an atrial floating dipole (DX). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate median service times, with extrapolation applied to censored data.

Median service times increased substantially across generations (p < 0.001): VR devices improved from 92 (interquartile range 72-106) to 175 (169-182) months (+89%), DR from 73 (63-93) to 155 (132-168) months (+108%), CRT-D from 72 (62-79) to 111 (95-126) months (+52%), and DX from 97 (92-101) to 170 (163-175) months (+74%). DX devices demonstrated superior longevity compared to DR devices.

Battery longevity of BIOTRONIK ICDs and CRT-Ds has improved markedly with each generation. Newer devices demonstrate service times at or above industry standards, supporting their clinical and economic value.