Incidence and predictors of phantom shocks in implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients

Background Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are designed to deliver shocks or antitachycardia pacing (ATP) in the event of ventricular arrhythmias. During follow-up, some ICD recipients experience the sensation of ICD discharge in the absence of an actual discharge (phantom shock). The...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Netherlands heart journal 2013-04, Vol.21 (4), p.191-195
Main Authors: Kraaier, K., Starrenburg, A. H., Verheggen, R. M., van der Palen, J., Scholten, M. F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cardiology
Medical Education
Medicine & Public Health
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Summary:Background Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are designed to deliver shocks or antitachycardia pacing (ATP) in the event of ventricular arrhythmias. During follow-up, some ICD recipients experience the sensation of ICD discharge in the absence of an actual discharge (phantom shock). The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of phantom shocks in ICD recipients. Methods Medical records of 629 consecutive patients with ischaemic or dilated cardiomyopathy and prior ICD implantation were studied. Results With a median follow-up of 35 months, phantom shocks were reported by 5.1 % of ICD recipients (5.7 % in the primary prevention group and 3.7 % for the secondary prevention group; p=NS). In the combined group of primary and secondary prevention, there were no significant predictors of the occurrence of phantom shocks. However, in the primary prevention group, phantom shocks were related to a history of atrial fibrillation ( p =0.03) and NYHA class
ISSN:1568-5888
1876-6250
DOI:10.1007/s12471-012-0345-z