Early automatic remote detection of combined lead insulation defect and ICD damage

Lead and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devicefailure is a severe problem in ICD therapy and may occur withoutpreceding signs of deterioration. Insulation lead failure andsubsequent ICD defect 7 months after ICD implantation for secondaryprevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a 70-year-old malewas automatically detected with the Home Monitoring system.Immediate lead and device replacement was performed. This caseillustrates the benefit of permanent automatic remote monitoringof implanted active devices.