BACKGROUND Reports on the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) cumulatively demonstrate a low rate of complications, but clinical experience with this technology is limited compared with transvenous devices. OBJECTIVE To… Click to show full abstract
BACKGROUND Reports on the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) cumulatively demonstrate a low rate of complications, but clinical experience with this technology is limited compared with transvenous devices. OBJECTIVE To describe and analyze S-ICD complications reported to the FDA's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. METHODS We reviewed all S-ICD MAUDE reports submitted over 24 months (2/16-2/18) through a prospective and standardized approach at a time when an estimated 15,000 S-ICDs were in service. RESULTS After removing duplicate entries and non-clinical events (n=493), 1604 events remained. There were 542 instances of infection with system removal reported in 414 (77.5%). Inappropriate shocks occurred in 550 patients, and 382 (69%) were attributed to oversensing; in response, 254 (56%), 147 (33%), and 80 (18%) of patients underwent system reprogramming, removal, or revision, respectively. There were 15 deaths, and causes included defibrillation failure during follow up (n=2), VF induced by the device (n=4), device-device interaction resulting in undersensing (n=1), procedure related complications (n=4), and uncertain etiology (n=4). There were 137 reports of system migration, and in 57 (42%) of these there were associated inappropriate shocks. System migrations events were managed with a combination of system revision (69, 51%), reprogramming (25, 18%), and system removal (44, 32%). CONCLUSION Several S-ICD complications have been reported that appear to be related to the ICD's design and function over time. A better understanding of these complications may help inform patient selection, implant technique, and post-implant management.
               
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