Long Detection Programming Cuts Unnecessary Therapies

Findings among patients receiving single chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillators
heart model
heart model

MONDAY, May 15, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- For patients receiving single chamber (VVI) implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), programming a long detection is associated with a lower risk of therapies, shocks, hospitalization, and death, according to a study published online May 11 in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology. The research was published to coincide with the annual meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society, held from May 10 to 13 in Chicago.

Maurizio Gasparini, M.D., from Humanitas Research Hospital in Rozzano, Italy, and colleagues examined the effects of programming a long detection in VVI ICDs in 545 patients. Based on device type, atrial fibrillation history, and indication, participants were randomized to long detection (267 patients) or standard programming (278 patients). Patients were followed for a median of 12 months.

The researchers found that there were 112 and 257 therapies (shocks and anti-tachycardia pacing) in long detection and the control arm, respectively, representing a 48 percent reduction. Overall, shocks were reduced by 40 percent in the long detection versus control arm, and appropriate shocks were reduced by 51 percent. There was no difference between the arms in syncopes; survival improved in the long detection arm.

"In a large population of patients treated with VVI ICDs, programming long detection (30/40) intervals with the capability to deliver anti-tachycardia pacing during capacitor charge, significantly reduced unnecessary therapies, shocks, overall and cardiovascular hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to Medtronic, which funded the study.

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