A new approach: a single triple electrode lead system interfaced with a third generation defibrillator.
The efficacy of implantable third generation cardioverter defibrillators has been well established for the treatment of patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias and survivors of cardiac arrest. However, many patients have been reluctant or unwilling to endure the discomfort of an open chest procedure, despite their need for the device. Furthermore, morbidity (pneumothorax, pneumonia, sepsis, pleural effusion, hemorrhage, pericarditis, etc.) and mortality associated with the application of epicardial lead systems is of concern. Finally, the mean overall expense of $80,433 for the epicardial method of defibrillator implantation is a consideration in an era of increasing cost-awareness in health care. Fortunately, the recent market-release of a single lead transvenous defibrillation system [Endotak, Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. (CPI), St. Paul, Minnesota] may address these pressing issues. The specific purpose of this report is to demonstrate the patient benefit derived from interfacing a single endocardial lead system with a biphasic third generation defibrillator.
Porterfield
J G
JG
Methodist Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Porterfield
L M
LM
D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*