[Experiences with the new cardioverter-defibrillator Ventak PRxII]

Clinical safety and efficacy of the new third-generation implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) Ventak PRxII was studied in 50 patients (pts) with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and/or fibrillation (VF). In 23 pts (46%) the ICD was implanted with a transvenous lead system as first implant and 27 pts (54%) received the Ventak PRxII as generator replacement. Intraoperatively, the mean defibrillation threshold (DFT) was 13 +/- 8 joules and 12 +/- 8 joules, respectively. One pt died perioperatively. During a follow-up of 5.3 +/- 3.8 months 3 patients died due to heart failure. During follow-up 1060 arrhythmia episodes (AE) occurred and were terminated primarily by countershock in 121 AE (11%). Antitachycardia pacing (ATP) was tried in 939 AE (89%) and was successful in 878 AE (94%). Acceleration was present in 6 AE (< 1%). We conclude that there is a high efficacy rate in AE termination by the Ventak PRxII, using ATP or countershock. Therefore, the Ventak PRxII allows a flexible approach to cardiac rhythm management.