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Defibrillation Testing Strategies of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Electrophysiologists during ICD Implantation
Author(s) -
BAYSA SHERRIE JOY A.,
OLEN MELISSA,
KANTER RONALD J.,
FISHBERGER STEVEN B.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pacing and clinical electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.686
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1540-8159
pISSN - 0147-8389
DOI - 10.1111/pace.12896
Subject(s) - medicine , defibrillation , implantable cardioverter defibrillator , defibrillation threshold , test (biology) , intensive care medicine , population , medical emergency , paleontology , environmental health , biology
Background Recently, there has been an increasing number of internal medicine‐trained electrophysiologists who choose not to test for acute defibrillation efficacy during implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. It is not known whether this same trend is seen in pediatric electrophysiologists, who care primarily for patients with congenital heart disease or primary electrical problems. Methods Through a 14‐question survey created on Survey Monkey, we asked the members of the Pediatric and Adult Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES) for their approach to ICD implantation. In particular, respondents were asked for their individual practice preferences on testing for acute defibrillation efficacy, including methods used for testing. Results There were 108 survey respondents. Thirty‐nine percent test acute defibrillation efficacy at all implants, while 46% test in most patients, barring any clinical concerns. Another 14% routinely test during initial ICD system implants but not during generator changes with existing leads. Less than 1% of respondents do not routinely test acute defibrillation efficacy. Conclusions The practice preferences of pediatric electrophysiologists in evaluating for acute defibrillation efficacy during ICD implants are in contrast to the recent trend in their internal medicine‐trained counterparts. More studies are needed to determine if practice changes should be considered in the pediatric and adult congenital patient population.