Avoiding inappropriate ventricular tachycardia detection due to T-wave oversensing in an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a novel application of the electrogram width criterion

Europace. 2001 Jan;3(1):80-4. doi: 10.1053/eupc.2000.0145.

Abstract

Appropriate sensing is an essential function of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). T-wave oversensing by an ICD can be a serious problem in some patients, causing overestimation of the heart rate, inappropriate tachyarrhythmia detection and therapy delivery. Decreasing the sensitivity or programming longer refractory periods can sometimes overcome T-wave oversensing, but these measures may interfere with the ability of the ICD to correctly detect tachyarrhythmias. This report proposes a novel application of the electrogram (EGM) width criterion using a recently introduced detection enhancement algorithm intended to improve the specificity of ventricular tachycardia detection, to avoid T-wave oversensing. Based on the course of a case with persistent T-wave oversensing and review of previously published reports, oversensing problems in ICDs and management strategies are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electric Countershock / instrumentation*
  • Electrocardiography / methods*
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / diagnosis*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / physiopathology