Impact of Ventricular Arrhythmia Discriminator Programming on Inappropriate Therapy in ICD Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Srivatsa Uma N MD, Hoppe Bobbi L MD, Narayan Sanjiv MD PhD, Feld Gregory K MD, Birgersdotter-Green Ulrika MD
Primary Institution: UCSD Medical Center, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, CA
Hypothesis
Programming VAD on at the time of CRT-D implantation would decrease the number of inappropriate therapy events.
Conclusion
Activating AF or AFL discriminators significantly reduced the incidence of inappropriate therapy in patients with ICDs.
Supporting Evidence
- Programming VADs 'ON' reduced inappropriate therapy events compared to 'OFF'.
- AF detection ON resulted in fewer patients receiving inappropriate therapy.
- Overall fewer episodes of inappropriate therapy were observed with AF or AFL algorithms 'ON'.
Takeaway
This study found that turning on certain settings in heart devices can help prevent unnecessary shocks for patients.
Methodology
Patients underwent dual chamber ICD or CRT-D implantation and were followed for therapy events over a mean of 362 days.
Potential Biases
The study was observational and lacked randomization, which could introduce bias.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was conducted in a predominantly male population, which may not reflect broader demographics.
Participant Demographics
103 patients (94 males, 9 females) who received ICD or CRT-D devices.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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