scholarly journals Significant regional variation in use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in Denmark

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 352-360
Author(s):  
Susanne Bendesgaard Pedersen ◽  
Dóra Körmendiné Farkas ◽  
Søren Pihlkjær Hjortshøj ◽  
Hans Erik Bøtker ◽  
Jens Brock Johansen ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) treatment prevents sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients. This study examined geographical variation in ICD implantation rates in Denmark and potential causes of variation. Methods and results We obtained numbers of ICD implantations in the 5 Danish regions and 98 municipalities during 2007–13 from the Danish Pacemaker and ICD Registry. Standardized implantation rates (SIRs) were computed as ICD implantations per 1 000 000 person-years, and age- and gender-standardized to the Danish population. We examined associations of the municipal SIR with mean age and Charlson Comorbidity Index score of ICD recipients, percentage of implantations with primary prophylactic indication, and distance from patient residency to ICD implanting centre. Based on 7192 ICD implantations, the nationwide SIR was 186 [95% confidence interval (CI) 182–190], ranging from 170 (95% CI 158–183) in the North Denmark Region to 206 (95% CI 195–218) in the Region of Zealand. Municipalities with higher patient comorbidity scores, higher percentages of implantations with primary prophylactic indication, and shorter distances to ICD implanting centres, had higher SIRs [differences between SIRs of municipalities in highest and lowest quartiles 22 (95% CI 10–34), 45 (95% CI 33–58), and 35 (95% CI 24–47), respectively]. Regional differences in SIRs decreased over time and had become insignificant during 2011–13. Conclusion Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation rates in Denmark varied significantly between regions but variation decreased during 2007–13. Geographical variation was associated with differences in patient comorbidity score, variation in use of primary prophylactic ICD treatment, and distance to ICD implanting centre.

Author(s):  
Victor Nauffal ◽  
Peter Marstrand ◽  
Larry Han ◽  
Victoria N Parikh ◽  
Adam S Helms ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims  Risk stratification algorithms for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and regional differences in clinical practice have evolved over time. We sought to compare primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation rates and associated clinical outcomes in US vs. non-US tertiary HCM centres within the international Sarcomeric Human Cardiomyopathy Registry. Methods and results We included patients with HCM enrolled from eight US sites (n = 2650) and five non-US (n = 2660) sites and used multivariable Cox-proportional hazards models to compare outcomes between sites. Primary prevention ICD implantation rates in US sites were two-fold higher than non-US sites (hazard ratio (HR) 2.27 [1.89–2.74]), including in individuals deemed at high 5-year SCD risk (≥6%) based on the HCM risk-SCD score (HR 3.27 [1.76–6.05]). US ICD recipients also had fewer traditional SCD risk factors. Among ICD recipients, rates of appropriate ICD therapy were significantly lower in US vs. non-US sites (HR 0.52 [0.28–0.97]). No significant difference was identified in the incidence of SCD/resuscitated cardiac arrest among non-recipients of ICDs in US vs. non-US sites (HR 1.21 [0.74–1.97]). Conclusion  Primary prevention ICDs are implanted more frequently in patients with HCM in US vs. non-US sites across the spectrum of SCD risk. There was a lower rate of appropriate ICD therapy in US sites, consistent with a lower-risk population, and no significant difference in SCD in US vs. non-US patients who did not receive an ICD. Further studies are needed to understand what drives malignant arrhythmias, optimize ICD allocation, and examine the impact of different ICD utilization strategies on long-term outcomes in HCM.


Heart ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (9) ◽  
pp. 671-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amar Mistry ◽  
Zakariyya Vali ◽  
Bharat Sidhu ◽  
Charley Budgeon ◽  
Matthew F Yuyun ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThere are large geographical differences in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation rates for reasons not completely understood. In an increasingly multiethnic population, we sought out to investigate whether ethnicity influenced ICD implantation rates.MethodsThis was a retrospective, cohort study of new ICD implantation or upgrade to ICD from January 2006 to February 2019 in recipients of Caucasian or South Asian ethnicity at a single tertiary centre in the UK. Data were obtained from a routinely collected local registry. Crude rates of ICD implantation were calculated for the population of Leicestershire county and were age-standardised to the UK population using the UK National Census of 2011.ResultsThe Leicestershire population was 980 328 at the time of the Census, of which 761 403 (77.7%) were Caucasian and 155 500 (15.9%) were South Asian. Overall, 2650 ICD implantations were performed in Caucasian (91.9%) and South Asian (8.1%) patients. South Asians were less likely than Caucasians to receive an ICD (risk ratio (RR) 0.43, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.49, p<0.001) even when standardised for age (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.75, p<0.001). This remained the case for primary prevention indication (age-standardised RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.91, p<0.001), while differences in secondary prevention ICD implants were even greater (age-standardised RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.50, p<0.001).ConclusionDespite a universal and free healthcare system, ICD implantation rates were significantly lower in the South Asian than the Caucasian population residing in the UK. Whether this is due to cultural acceptance or an unbalanced consideration is unclear.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J De Juan Baguda ◽  
J.J Gavira Gomez ◽  
M Pachon Iglesias ◽  
L Pena Conde ◽  
J.M Rubin Lopez ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The HeartLogic algorithm combines multiple implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)-based sensors into an index for prediction of impending heart failure (HF) decompensation. In patients with ICD and cardiac resynchronization therapy ICD remotely monitored at 13 Spanish centers, we analyzed the association between clinical events and HeartLogic alerts and we described the use of the algorithm for the remote management of HF. Methods The association between clinical events and HeartLogic alerts was studied in the blinded phase (from ICD implantation to alert activation – no clinical actions taken in response to alerts) and in the following active phase (after alert activation – clinicians automatically notified in case of alert). Results We enrolled a total of 215 patients (67±13 years old, 77% male, 53% with ischemic cardiomyopathy) with ICD (19%) or CRT-D (81%). The median duration of the blinded phase was 8 [3–12] months. In this phase, the HeartLogic index crossed the threshold value (set by default to 16) 34 times in 20 patients. HeartLogic alerts were associated with 6 HF hospitalizations and 5 unplanned in-office visits for HF. Five additional HeartLogic threshold crossings were not associated with overt HF events, but occurred at the time of changes in drug therapy or of other clinical events. The rate of unexplained alerts was 0.25 alert-patient/year. The median time spent in alert was longer in the case of HF hospitalizations than of in-office visits (75 [min-max: 30–155] days versus 39 [min-max: 5–105] days). The maximum HeartLogic index value was 38±15 in the case of hospitalizations and 24±7 in that of minor HF events. The median duration of the following active phase was 5 [2–10] months. After HeartLogic activation, 40 alerts were reported in 26 patients. Twenty-seven (68%) alerts were associated with multiple HF- or non-HF related conditions or changes in prescribed HF therapy. Multiple actions were triggered by these alerts: HF hospitalization (4), unscheduled in-office visits (8), diuretics increase (8), change in other cardiovascular drugs (5), device reprogramming (2), atrial fibrillation ablation (1), patient education on therapy adherence (2). The rate of unexplained alerts not followed by any clinical action was 0.13 alert-patient/year. These alerts were managed remotely (device data review and phone contact), except for one alert that generated an unscheduled in-office visit. Conclusions HeartLogic index was frequently associated with HF-related clinical events. The activation of the associated alert allowed to remotely detect relevant clinical conditions and to implement clinical actions. The rate of unexplained alerts was low, and the work required in order to exclude any impending decompensation did not constitute a significant burden for the centers. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Takahashi ◽  
Tsuyoshi Shiga ◽  
Daigo Yagishita ◽  
Keisuke Futagawa ◽  
Naoki Serizawa ◽  
...  

Purpose: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) prevents sudden cardiac death in high risk patients with heart failure (HF). Worsening renal function (WRF) is associated with mortality in patients with myocardial infarction or HF, but its effect on lethal arrhythmia is unknown. We evaluated the influence of WRF on the occurrence of arrhythmic events in patients with nonischemic HF and ICD. Methods: A total of 286 nonischemic HF patients who underwent ICD implantation between 1990 and 2007 were studied. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease. Renal dysfunction was defined as eGFR <60mL/min/1.73m 2 and WRF was defined as 15mL/min/1.73m 2 per year. Differences in arrhythmia recurrences according to the eGFR and WRF were compared by Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: During a mean follow-up time of 2.2+/−1.0 years, 94 (33%) of 286 patients (mean age; 57+/−15 years, 72% male) experienced appropriate ICD shock therapy. There was a significantly higher cumulative rate of appropriate ICD shock therapy (p<0.05) and electrical storm (p<0.05) in patients with renal dysfunction than others. The patients with renal dysfunction at baseline experience WRF more frequently than other patients (53% vs. 23%, respectively, p<0.01). After correcting for age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), indication for ICD implantation, and use of beta-blockers in a Cox regression model, WRF was still an independent predictor of the time to first appropriate shock (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.32–3.69, p<0.05) and electrical storm (HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.19 – 4.13, p<0.05). The result of subgroup analysis of 147 patients with low LVEF (LVEF<35%) indicated that the patients with WRF experienced electrical storms more frequently (p<0.05). Conclusion: WRF is associated with increased rate of arrhythmic event in nonischemic HF patients. Especially, those patients with low LVEF and WRF experience more frequent ICD shocks.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. CMC.S10990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Akhtar ◽  
Tariq Bhat ◽  
Mohmad Tantray ◽  
Chris Lafferty ◽  
Saiful Faisal ◽  
...  

As the number of patients having implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices is increasing, it is important for the physicians and patients to be aware of situations and conditions that can result in interference with normal functioning of these devices. There are multiple cases of malfunction of ICDs reported in literature and it may be of great significance to have an overview of these incidents for appropriate recognition and future prevention. Here we are reviewing the available literature as well as reporting an interesting case of electromagnetic interference (EMI) resulting from leak of current in pool water causing firing of ICD.


Author(s):  

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease characterised as left ventricular (LV) or biventricular dilatation with impaired systolic function. Regardless of underlying cause patients with DCM have a propensity to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation for these patients results in significant reduction of sudden cardiac death [1-3]. ICD devices may be limited by right ventricle (RV) sensing dysfunction with low RV sensing amplitude. We present a clinical case of patient with DCM, implanted ICD and low R wave sensing on RV lead.


2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-187
Author(s):  
Danielle R Hairston ◽  
Ralph H de Similien ◽  
Seth Himelhoch ◽  
Anique Forrester

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators have become standard preventive treatment for patients with ventricular arrhythmias and other life-threatening cardiac conditions. The advantages and efficiency of the device are supported by multiple clinical trials and outcome studies, leading to its popularity among cardiologists. Implantation of the device is not without adverse outcomes. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement has been found to lead to negative psychological and psychosocial sequelae such as apprehension to engage in physical activity, chronic anxiety, decreased physical and social functioning, a nagging fear of being shocked by the device, and the development of “phantom shocks.” Defined as patient-reported shocks in the absence of evidence that the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator device has discharged, phantom shocks could impact the mental health of those affected. This article reviews the case of Mr. L, a 47-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy who was seen by the psychiatry consultation team while under cardiologic care because he reported that his implantable cardioverter-defibrillator device had been shocking him despite no objective evidence after interrogating the device. A literature review of phantom shocks, their associated symptomatology, and psychological consequences are outlined and discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Bjerre ◽  
S M Rosenkranz ◽  
M Schou ◽  
C Jons ◽  
B T Philbert ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) are restricted from driving following initial implantation or ICD shock. It is unclear how many patients are aware of, and adhere to, these restrictions. Purpose To investigate knowledge of, and adherence to, private and professional driving restrictions in a nationwide cohort of ICD patients. Methods A questionnaire was distributed to all living Danish residents ≥18 years who received a first-time ICD between 2013 and 2016 (n=3,913). During this period, Danish guidelines recommended 1 week driving restriction following ICD implantation for primary prevention, and 3 months following either ICD implantation for secondary prevention or appropriate ICD shock, and permanent restriction of professional driving and driving of large vehicles (>3.5 metric tons). Questionnaires were linked with relevant nationwide registries. Logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with non-adherence. Results Of 2,741 questionnaire respondents, 92% (n=2,513) held a valid private driver's license at time of ICD implantation (85% male; 46% primary prevention indication; median age: 67 years (IQR: 59–73)). Of these, 7% (n=175) were actively using a professional driver's license for truck driving (n=73), bus driving (n=45), taxi driving (n=22), large vehicle driving for private use (n=54), or other purposes (n=32) (multiple purposes allowed). Only 42% of primary prevention patients, 63% of secondary prevention patients, and 72% of patients who experienced an appropriate ICD shock, recalled being informed of any driving restrictions. Only 45% of professional drivers recalled being informed about specific professional driving restrictions (Figure). Most patients (93%, n=2,344) resumed private driving after ICD implantation, more than 30% during the driving restriction period: 34% of primary prevention patients resumed driving within 1 week, 43% of secondary prevention patients resumed driving within 3 months, and 30% of patients who experienced an appropriate ICD shock resumed driving within 3 months. Professional driving was resumed by 35%. Patients who resumed driving within the restricted periods were less likely to report having received information about driving restrictions (all p<0.001) (Figure). In a multiple logistic regression model, non-adherence was predicted by reporting non-receipt of information about driving restrictions (OR: 3.34, CI: 2.27–4.03), as well as male sex (OR: 1.53, CI: 1.17–2.01), age ≥60 years (OR: 1.20, CI: 1.02–1.64), receipt of a secondary prevention ICD (OR: 2.2, CI: 1.80–2.62), and being the only driver in the household (OR: 1.29, CI: 1.05–1.57). Conclusion In this nationwide survey study, many ICD patients were unaware of the driving restrictions, and many ICD patients, including professional drivers, resumed driving within the restricted periods. More focus on communicating driving restrictions might improve adherence. Acknowledgement/Funding Danish Heart Foundation, Arvid Nilsson Foundation, Fraenkels Mindefond


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