Does device-based testing save time during automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation?
BACKGROUND
Defibrillation testing can be done either via an external cardiac defibrillator or directly via the implanted defibrillator during implantation (device-based testing). The advantage of one testing methodology over the other has not been adequately studied.


RESULTS
Seventy-four patients (72% men) were randomized into two groups depending on the defibrillation testing methodology used--external cardiac defibrillation and device-based testing groups. R-wave, pacing threshold, pacing impedance, defibrillation threshold, defibrillation pathway impedance and total procedure time were not significantly different between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Device-based testing did not significantly reduce the procedure time. Lead and defibrillation parameters were similar in both the groups; lead repositioning and replacement were required in three patients in the external cardiac defibrillation group.
Gupta
Anoop K
AK
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Institute, Michigan State University and Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, USA. anoopgupta@msn.com
Khasnis
Atul
A
Thakur
Ranjan K
RK
Lokhandwala
Yash
Y
D000368:Aged; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors