Programming implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in primary prevention: higher or later

Arch Cardiovasc Dis. 2014 May;107(5):308-18. doi: 10.1016/j.acvd.2014.03.006. Epub 2014 May 16.

Abstract

Defibrillator shocks, appropriate or not, are associated with significant morbidity, as they decrease quality of life, can be involved in depression and anxiety, and are known to be proarrhythmic. Most recent data have even shown an association between shocks and overall mortality. As opposed to other defibrillator-related complications, the rate of inappropriate and unnecessary shocks can (and should) be decreased with adequate programming. This review focuses on the different programming strategies and tips available to reduce the rate of shocks in primary prevention patients with left ventricular dysfunction implanted with a defibrillator, as well as some of the manufacturers' device specificities.

Keywords: Choc; Defibrillator; Défibrillateur; Prevention; Prévention; Shock.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / prevention & control*
  • Atrioventricular Block / complications
  • Defibrillators, Implantable* / adverse effects
  • Electric Countershock / adverse effects*
  • Electric Injuries / etiology
  • Electric Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Electric Injuries / psychology
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure
  • Humans
  • Software*
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / diagnosis
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / prevention & control
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / therapy
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / diagnosis
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / prevention & control
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / therapy
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / complications
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / therapy*