Thoracoscopic Implantation of an Array Electrode in the Pericardium Transverse Sinus to Reduce Defibrillation Threshold

Innovations (Phila). 2017 Jul/Aug;12(4):e6-e9. doi: 10.1097/IMI.0000000000000384.

Abstract

Among the implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients, there is still a subgroup of patients in whom the defibrillation threshold is too high and the maximal shock output of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator can fail to terminate a ventricular arrhythmia. We report a new thoracoscopic minimally invasive approach to place a standard array electrode in the transverse pericardial sinus of a patient implanted with a cardiac resynchronization and defibrillation therapy device with persistent high defibrillation threshold. This approach was developed to achieve very low shock impedance with a consequent increase in the current flow and reduction of defibrillation threshold.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardium / surgery*
  • Thoracoscopy / methods*