Effect of preexisting epicardial patch electrodes on defibrillation thresholds of unipolar defibrillators

The question is addressed whether patients with thoracotomy defibrillators and failing epicardial electrodes can be effectively treated with the implantation of prepectoral unipolar ("active can") defibrillators. Results indicate that abandoned epicardial patches in the pathway of unipolar defibrillation currents do not affect defibrillation thresholds and active can efficacy.