Indications for predismissal testing with arrhythmia-induction in patients receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Arrhythmia induction during implantation of cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) is a standard procedure. However, controversy exists regarding the need for routine arrhythmia induction before discharge from hospital (pre-hospital discharge (PHD) test). In order to reduce the number of tests we identified risk factors that predict relevant ICD malfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: 965 patients receiving a first device implantation (n=724) or device/system replacement (n=241) between 1998 and 2004 were analysed. During implantation 176 (18%) complications (intraoperative undersensing of induced arrhythmias, unsuccessful arrhythmia-therapy or low DFT safety margin) occurred. Frequent (>4 times) intraoperative lead repositioning due to low sensing values was present in 44 patients (5%). 9% of the patients with first ICD implantation, 21% with device replacement and 27% with system replacement developed complications during PHD testing with arrhythmia induction. Intraoperative complications, although corrected during implantation, were independent risk factors for malfunction during PHD testing (p<0.05). Additional predictors for malfunction were intraoperative lead repositioning (>4 times) and a history of both VF and VT (p<0.05). Patients without intraoperative complications rarely developed malfunction during PHD testing (3.7% first device, 6.25% system replacement). Only in patients undergoing device replacement was a higher risk for failure (13%) evident. No risk factors could be identified for these subgroups. CONCLUSION: Routine arrhythmia induction during PHD is recommended in ICD patients with intraoperative complications, although corrected during implantation, as well as frequent intraoperatives lead repositioning. Patients undergoing device/system replacement uncomplicated implantation are not generally at low risk for device failure.