title: Random internal component failure of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
abstract: Internal component failure of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) is a rare complication, which can have a potentially catastrophic outcome. We describe a patient with random component failure, which occurred due to electrical overstress damage to the high voltage hybrid as a result of inappropriate arcing, as detected by the manufacturer. This in turn damaged other components in the device. This secondary damage caused the device to reset, emitting a constant tone. A high current state was created, thereby depleting the battery prematurely. The problem was promptly detected and rectified by ICD generator replacement.
authors.affiliation: Electrophysiology Laboratory, Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45406, USA. abdul.wase@wright.edu
authors.forename: Abdul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wase
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020878:Device Removal; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome