Diagnosis of ICD lead failure using continuous event marker recording

Stored electrograms enhance the ability to evaluate therapy episodes in the third-generation implantable cardioverter defibrillator. These electrograms are recorded from either the shocking or rate sensing leads, but not both. As a result, differentiation of certain types of sensing abnormalities may be difficult prior to surgical exploration. We present a case of rate sensing lead failure due to an insulation break. Several minutes of recording of the event marker in the laboratory failed to document any abnormal sensing; the diagnosis was made by recording the event marker on a 24-hour continuous (Holter) monitor. The Holter monitor/event marker combination was of substantial diagnostic value and allowed for a more focused surgical evaluation and treatment.