Near-Fatal ICD Lead Dysfunction with Implications for ICD Testing

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2016 Jan;39(1):105-6. doi: 10.1111/pace.12776. Epub 2015 Nov 27.

Abstract

A 31-year-old male patient with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) experienced ventricular fibrillation. After resuscitation, no communication between the device and an ICD programmer was possible. The ICD was explanted, no signs of destruction were visible, and the ICD leads revealed normal values. A new ICD was implanted, interrogation values were stable. However, immediately after defibrillation testing the connection between programmer and ICD was interrupted and could not be established again. The device showed burn marks and a hole in the can. Analysis revealed an isolation defect of the ICD lead, which was not detectable with standard interrogation.

Keywords: ICD; defibrillator testing; lead dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Defibrillators, Implantable / adverse effects*
  • Device Removal
  • Electrodes, Implanted / adverse effects*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Treatment Failure
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / diagnosis*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / prevention & control