Assessment of Radiation-Induced Malfunction in Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

Background: Radiation therapy (RT) is a standard cancer treatment modality, and an increasing number of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are being referred for RT. The goals of this study were as follows: (i) to determine the incidence of CIED malfunction following RT; (ii) to characterize the various types of malfunctions that occur; and (iii) to identify risk factors associated with CIED malfunction following RT.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients with CIEDs who received RT between 2007 and 2018 at 4 Canadian centres (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Kingston General Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences Centre, and University of Ottawa Heart Institute) was conducted.

The Natural History and Treatment of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Associated Pneumothorax-A 10-Year Single-Centre Experience.

Background: Pneumothorax is a common complication of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures. There is a paucity of data on the natural history and management of a CIED-associated pneumothorax.

Methods: This is a single-centre retrospective study of all consecutive patients with a CIED-associated pneumothorax between March 2010 and March 2020.

Discussions on Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Deactivation in Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy: A Missed Opportunity.

Established guidelines discuss end-of-life care in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). It is not known how frequently these discussions take place in patients who have ICDs and are receiving active treatment for cancer. Chart review from a large regional cardiac and cancer center from 2005 to 2019 highlighted that discussions on ICD deactivation were infrequent (28% of patients).

Quality dying: An approach to ICD deactivation in the hospital setting.

Background: In Canada, cardiovascular disease is the second most common cause of death. A subset of these patients will require a cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED). An estimated 200 000 Canadians are living with a CIED.

An "UninTENSional" Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator Shock.

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) (S-ICDs) are advantageous because they eliminate the need for transvenous leads. However, just like in the case of traditional ICDs, inappropriate shocks are an unwanted complication that may result following their placement. In this case, we discuss the mechanism of an inappropriate shock in a patient with an S-ICD.

Barriers to Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators.

Background: Multiple studies have demonstrated a reduction of cardiovascular events in patients who receive the annual influenza vaccine. Despite recommendations from cardiovascular societies, influenza vaccination remains suboptimal in the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) population. Barriers to receiving the influenza vaccination have not been explored.

Prevention of death in chronic kidney disease: the role of implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Cardiac arrhythmia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (McCullough & Sandberg, 2004). The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has been shown to decrease mortality of patients with cardiac arrhythmias, yet CKD patients are usually excluded from clinical trials. This article discusses the ICD as it relates to CKD patients, including care of the patient and possible complications that can be encountered.