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Reliability of coated wire defibrillation leads
G F Tyers1, R Sanders, W Jacqmein
1University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. cvsurg@unixg.ubc.ca
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|February 17, 1999
Summary
New defibrillator lead designs using coated conductors show improved reliability, potentially reducing complications and reoperations associated with older epicardial and endocardial systems. One bipolar design achieved 98% reliability over six years.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular device engineering
- Implantable electronic devices
Background:
- Epicardial and endocardial defibrillator systems are associated with higher complication and reoperation rates.
- There is a need for more reliable defibrillator lead designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of alternate defibrillator lead designs.
- To assess the potential of coated wire and coated coil conductors in improving device performance.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of a specific bipolar design (Sulzer Intermedics Intervene lead) utilizing coated conductors.
- Long-term reliability assessment over a six-year period.
Main Results:
- The evaluated bipolar design demonstrated a reliability rate in the 98% range over six years.
- This suggests improved performance compared to existing systems.
Conclusions:
- Alternate defibrillator lead designs, particularly those with coated wire and coated coil conductors, offer improved reliability.
- These advancements may lead to a reduced rate of complications and reoperations for patients requiring defibrillator systems.