Abstract 3: Healthcare Resource Utilization and Expenditures Associated with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Shocks

Author(s):  
Mintu P Turakhia ◽  
Matthew R Reynolds ◽  
Candace L Gunnarson ◽  
Andrea L Swain ◽  
Sarah A Mollenkopf ◽  
...  

Introduction: Few studies have characterized the cost of health care associated with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks. The objective of this study was to understand healthcare utilization patterns and expenditures following an ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) shock. Methods: Using Medtronic’s Data Warehousing & Analytics Services (DWAS) database patients with an ICD or CRT-D implant date between 2008 and 2010 were identified. Implant records from DWAS were matched to patient level data in MarketScan® Commercial and Medicare claims databases (Truven Health Analytics, Inc) based on date and type of implant, gender, age, patient three digit zip code and location of care. A shock event was defined as a date where one or more spontaneous shocks (appropriate or inappropriate) were delivered. Shock events were recorded in DWAS and used to identify shock-related healthcare utilization in MarketScan. Shock-related healthcare utilization was defined as a visit with a diagnosis (primary diagnosis for inpatient) of dysrhythmia, syncope/dizziness, device malfunction, palpitations or tachycardia beginning within 7 days following a shock event. Shock events occurring during an ongoing inpatient stay were excluded. Expenditures for all shock-related utilization following a shock event were tallied and summarized. Results: Of 7705 patients matched between the 2 databases, 773 patients had 1409 shock events and 58 were excluded due to ongoing inpatient stay. Of the 1351 remaining shock days 798 (59%) were followed by any healthcare utilization and 575 (43%) were followed by shock-related healthcare utilization. The majority of patients (65%) seeking shock-related care did so on the same day as the shock. 157 shock events (11.6%) were followed by an inpatient stay and had a mean length of stay of 3.6±3.0 days. There was wide variation in shock-related expenditures (mean $5,124±$11,992; median $1,131) and expenditures were similar between ICD and CRT-D patients. Expenditures were higher when shock events were followed by inpatient care ($15,167±$19,229, median $8,812), as compared outpatient care only ($1,352±$2,716, median $376). Conclusion: Nearly 1 in 8 shock events were followed by hospitalization. Expenditures were higher when inpatient care followed a shock event as compared to when all care occurred in the outpatient setting. Strategies to reduce the incidence of ICD shocks may result in significant healthcare savings.

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


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
MEI YANG ◽  
Xuping Li ◽  
John C. Morris III ◽  
Jinjun Liang ◽  
Abhishek J. Deshmukh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hypothyroidism is known to be associated with adverse clinical outcomes in heart failure. The association between hypothyroidism and cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes in patients with severe heart failure is not clear. Methods The study included 1,316 patients who received cardiac resynchronization therapy between 2002 and 2015. Baseline demographics and cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes, including left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association class, appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy, and all-cause mortality, were collected from the electronic health record. Results Of the study cohort, 350 patients (26.6%) were classified as the hypothyroidism group. The median duration of follow-up was 3.6 years (interquartile range, 1.7-6.2). Hypothyroidism was not associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients receiving CRT for heart failure. The risk of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy significantly increased in association with increased baseline thyroid -stimulating hormone level in the entire cohort (hazard ratio, 1.23 per 5mIU/L increase; 95% CI, 1.01-1.5; P=0.04) as well as in the hypothyroid group (hazard ratio, 1.44 per 5mIU/L increase; 95% CI, 1.13-1.84; P=0.004). Conclusions CRT improves cardiac function in hypothyroid patients. The ventricular arrhythmic events requiring ICD therapies are associated with baseline TSH level, which might be considered as an important biomarker to stratify the risk of sudden death for patients with heart failure and hypothyroidism.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Zheng ◽  
Sarah Goodlin

Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT-D) reduce mortality and improve functional status in selected patients with heart failure (HF). However, there are potential procedural risks and psychosocial concerns associated with device implant. This qualitative study aims to explore patients’ and families’ understanding of ICD/CRT-D, heart failure and arrhythmia in the process of decision making regarding device implant. Methods: We conducted 14 focus groups or interviews in Salt Lake City UT and Silver Spring MD. This study included 23 patients, who had either an ICD or CRT-D implant for primary prevention, and 14 family members. Grounded theory analysis was performed to reach a conceptual understanding of patients’ and families’ perceptions and needs. Results: Patients and families largely made decision of ICD/CRT implant based on physicians’ recommendations, e.g. “I really try to do what they tell me to do” (icdpt 1). Patients perceived ICD as lifesaving and CRT being helpful to improve functional status. Many patients described ICD as lifesaving by “restarting a heart if it stops”, while did not understand HF or ventricular arrhythmia. Patients perceived an urgency to consider ICD implant from their physicians, but no such urgency was perceived when they discussed about CRT-D implant. Few participants were concerned with costs, or had knowledge of potential lead malfunction, device removal and associated risks. Many emphasized the importance of information about life expectancies, what HF is, options of different devices, complications and precautions, and what to expect regarding lifestyle changes. Conclusion: Patients and families largely relied on the information provided by physicians and followed physicians’ guidance. They had limited understanding of their prognosis, HF and arrhythmia, and they were motivated to learn. Discussion about devices should include prognosis and healthy life style changes.


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