Transvenous Lead Extraction for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

This article illustrates the important role that lead extraction plays in the management of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Individualized care of the patient is paramount when considering lead management strategies. The critical care nurse must have a comprehensive understanding of the indications, procedural considerations, and preprocedural and postprocedural care for patients undergoing lead extraction procedures, thereby improving patient safety and maximizing patient outcomes.

Quality of life with atrial fibrillation: do the spouses suffer as much as the patients?

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) can have a significant effect on quality of life (QoL). Other chronic diseases are known to not only affect the patient but to also impact the QoL of persons living with them. Scant data exist on the QoL effect of AF in spouses/significant others (SOs).

Age-specific differences in women with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: an international multi center study.

Background: Common psychological adjustment difficulties have been identified for groups of implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients, such as those who are young (<50 years old), have been shocked, and are female. Specific aspects and concerns, such as fears of death or shock and body image concerns, that increase the chance of distress, have not been examined in different aged female implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients. The aim of the study was to investigate these areas of adjustment across three age groups of women from multiple centers.

Practical considerations for remote monitoring.

The ability to remotely monitor important physiologic parameters will dramatically change how we care for patients. We are on the threshold of this era with currently available implantable cardiac devices. Current devices provide a plethora of important arrhythmia- and heart failure-related information.

Randomized pilot study of a new atrial-based minimal ventricular pacing mode in dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Objective: We hypothesized that a new minimal ventricular pacing mode (MVP) that provides AAI/R pacing with ventricular monitoring and back-up DDD/R pacing as needed during AV block (AVB) would significantly reduce cumulative percent ventricular pacing compared to DDD/R.

Background: Conventional DDD/R mode often results in high cumulative percent ventricular pacing that may adversely affect ventricular function and increase risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

Methods: MVP was made operational in 30 patients with DDD/R implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and no history of AVB.

Quality of life issues in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: driving, occupation, and recreation.

In the United States over 350,000 individuals die annually from sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Numerous large-scale clinical trials have consistently demonstrated that implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) reduce mortality among appropriately selected patients who have survived an episode of potentially life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia (secondary prevention) or are at risk for ventricular arrhythmia (primary prevention). Despite the demonstrated success of the ICD, many patients often experience unique physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs that can directly impact their overall quality of life (QOL).

Upgrade of permanent pacemakers and single chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillators to pectoral dual chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillators: indications, surgical approach, and long-term clinical results.

The aim of this study was to describe the indications for upgrade of pacemakers (PMs) or single chamber (VVIR) ICDs to dual chamber (DDDR) ICDs, surgical approach, hardware hybridization, and clinical outcome. Patients with preexisting PMs or VVIR ICDs may develop indications for ICD therapy or dual chamber pacing, respectively, that can be served by DDDR ICDs that incorporate preexisting transvenous leads. Fifty-seven patients underwent upgrade from PMs (29/57) or VVIR ICDs (28/57) to pectoral DDDR ICDs.