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Why We Need Postmortem Analysis of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
Author(s) -
Mauf Sabrina,
Jentzsch Thorsten,
Laberke Patrick J.,
Thali Michael J.,
Bartsch Christine
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.13075
Subject(s) - medicine , implantable cardioverter defibrillator , cause of death , demographics , time of death , emergency medicine , disease , demography , sociology
Abstract The prevalence of cardiac implantable electronic devices ( CIED s), pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators ( ICD s) is increasing. However, postmortem analysis of CIED s is not performed routinely. Fourteen consecutive CIED s were analyzed. The indication for and date of implantation, technical data, CIED reprogramming, heart rhythm disturbances, patient demographics and medical consultations were investigated. Death during the first year after implantation was seen in 54%, whereof 71% consulted a physician within 10 days before death. The time of death was attributed to a particular day in 29%. There was a relationship between CIED s and cause/manner of death in 50%. Although limited by a small sample size, this study advocates the routine postmortem CIED analysis for forensic and clinical purposes in selected cases. Patients with CIED s seem to show an increased risk of death during the first year after implantation. The analysis of CIED s can be helpful in evaluating the time/cause/manner of death.