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External implantable defibrillator as a bridge to reimplant after explant for infection: Experience from two centers
Author(s) -
Dell'Era Gabriele,
Ziacchi Matteo,
Prenna Eleonora,
Diemberger Igor,
Varalda Marco,
Martignani Cristian,
Guerra Federico,
Biffi Mauro,
Occhetta Eraldo
Publication year - 2018
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.13320
Subject(s) - medicine , implantable cardioverter defibrillator , bradycardia , cardiology , heart rate , blood pressure
Background The management of patients explanted for implantable converter defibrillator (ICD) infections may be complex when anti‐bradycardia pacing and tachyarrhythmia protection are needed. We aimed to test the efficacy and safety of a conventional ICD externally connected to a transvenous dual‐coil lead as bridging therapy before the reimplantation. Methods and results We enrolled seven patients explanted for ICD infections and needed prolonged antibiotic therapy in two high‐volume hospitals in Italy and treated them with a passive‐can external ICD for a mean of 13 (4–30) days before reimplant. One patient experienced an electrical storm, efficaciously recognized by the external ICD and treated with antitachycardia pacing and shocks. On‐demand pacing was granted for all the patients. No device‐related complications were reported. Conclusions An external ICD seems safe and efficacious as a bridge to reimplant in patients explanted for ICD infections.