Skip to main content
Top
Gepubliceerd in: Netherlands Heart Journal 12/2018

Open Access 24-09-2018 | Original Article

Device updates successfully reduce T‑wave oversensing and inappropriate shocks in subcutaneous ICD patients

Auteurs: R. Larbig, L. J. Motloch, M. Bettin, A. Fischer, N. Bode, G. Frommeyer, A. Loeher, J. Koebe, F. Reinke, L. Eckardt

Gepubliceerd in: Netherlands Heart Journal | Uitgave 12/2018

share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail
insite
ZOEKEN

Abstract

Aims

To analyse the impact of device and software updates on the prevention of T‑wave oversensing (TWOS) and inappropriate shocks (IS) in subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) patients.

Background

TWOS is a feared complication after implantation. It may lead to harmful IS. To date, specific strategies to reduce these events are lacking.

Methods

In this retrospective single-centre trial we analysed 146 S‑ICD patients who were implanted between 2010 and 2016. In all eligible consecutive patients (n = 139), follow-up of at least 6 weeks was studied. The incidence of TWOS/IS was analysed in patients receiving a 2nd generation S‑ICD (Emblem-S-ICD) between 2014 and 2016 (Emblem). Their outcome was compared with a control group (SQ) treated with the SQ1010 device between 2010 and 2014, who were followed up for a maximum of 2 years. Furthermore, to test if the software update SMR8 reduces inappropriate shocks in the SQ1010-S-ICD population, the incidence of TWOS/IS was evaluated before and after update installation.

Results

Basic characteristics and indications for S‑ICD implantation were similar in both groups. However, the cumulative incidence of TWOS/IS was significantly decreased in Emblem vs. SQ (SQ: 15.4%, n = 14/91 vs. Emblem 4.2%, n = 2/48; p = 0.049). Furthermore, with regards to the SQ population we also observed a trend towards a significant reduction of TWOS/IS after installation of the software update SMR8 in 2014 (before update: 13.4%, n = 11/82 vs. after update: 4.6%, 3/65, p = 0.07).

Conclusion

2nd generation devices but probably also the SMR8 software update reduce the incidence of TWOS/IS in S‑ICD patients.
Opmerkingen
The Authors R. Larbig and L. J. Motloch contributed equally to the manuscript.

What’s new?

  • Updated S‑ICD devices successfully reduce the incidence of TWOS/IS in S‑ICD patients.
  • Probably the SMR8 software update also successfully reduces the incidence of TWOS/IS in S‑ICD patients.
  • These findings stress the need for constant improvement of the S‑ICD software and underline the therapeutic value of detection algorithms in S‑ICD patients.

Introduction

The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has been an important treatment option for selected patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac death [1]. However, despite the recognised mortality benefit, perioperative complications such as pneumothorax, cardiac perforation, and tamponade as well as long-term technical difficulties such as lead failure or device infection have become important issues in clinical practice [26].
In 2009 the totally subcutaneous implantable defibrillator (S-ICD) was introduced as a new therapeutic alternative for suitable patients (the S‑ICD is not suitable for patients with a pacing/CRT indication and less preferable for patients with (monomorphic) VTs who could otherwise be treated with anti-tachycardia pacing). The early results from the EFFORTLESS registry demonstrated appropriate system performance with clinical event rates comparable with those reported for conventional transvenous ICD systems [7]. Although implantation of the S‑ICD reduces implant-related complications, a high rate of inappropriate shocks (IS) with tremendous impact on quality of life was reported [8, 9]. These potentially harmful events are mostly triggered by T‑wave oversensing (TWOS) which is a feared complication after S‑ICD implantation [911]. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been linked to TWOS [12, 13]. Nevertheless, so far, little is known on how to predict or prevent inappropriate shocks despite specific ECG parameters [12]. Recently, a new double-detection algorithm was introduced to reduce the incidence of T‑wave oversensing [13]. The new double-detection algorithm was available as software update SMR8 for the first generation SQ-S-ICD devices. The new detection algorithm analyses the morphology of three consecutive QRS complexes in order to specifically minimise TWOS and is usually automatically uploaded during follow-up visits. Besides, in 2015 the new S‑ICD generation with this double-detection algorithm as standard, the Emblem-S-ICD, became available. Whether these new strategies have an impact on the incidence of TWOS/IS remains unclear.
Therefore, we hypothesised that the new generation device, the Emblem-S-ICD, as well as the software update SMR8, might reduce the incidence of these harmful events.

Methods

Study cohort

In this retrospective single-centre trial we screened the data of 146 patients who were treated with S‑ICD implantation between January 2010 and October 2016. Patients either received the first generation SQ1010-S-ICD or the new Emblem-S-ICD. Patients were only included in the analyses if at least a complete follow-up (FU) of 6 weeks was present. In the eligible study cohort of 139 patients, medication, results from diagnostic tests and history of concomitant diseases were obtained from the university patient database. Importantly, records and S‑ICD interrogation results of all FU visits were evaluated and patients were screened for the incidence of TWOS and IS. Since only one patient in our cohort (implanted with a SQ1010 device) experienced IS in the absence of TWOS, we also considered isolated episodes of TWOS without IS to be clinically relevant, especially since the S‑ICD provides no manual adjustability of the S‑ICD ECG sensitivity. Therefore, we chose a combined endpoint of these events (TWOS/IS). Specifically, TWOS/IS was defined as at least one episode of TWOS and/or IS during the period of FU. To analyse the impact of device type on the incidence of TWOS/IS, FU up to 2 years (mean FU: 500 ± 267 days) after implantation was studied. Outcome of patients receiving the new Emblem-S-ICD (Emblem; n = 48) was compared with the performance of the first-generation device SQ1010-S-ICD (SQ; n = 91). Furthermore, to test if the new double-detection algorithm SMR8 (available since August 2014 in our cohort) reduces TWOS/IS in the SQ1010-S-ICD population, patient outcome after implantation (SQ-SMR8(−); n = 82) and/or after update installation (SQ-SMR8(+); n = 65) was evaluated for up to 2 years (mean FU: 551 ± 168 days). Patients were only included in the analysis if a least a complete FU of 6 weeks after implantation and/or after software update installation could be obtained. With respect to patient safety and privacy all identities in this retrospective study were excluded from the manuscript.

Selection of patients for S‑ICD and S‑ICD implantation

Upon admission, all patients with either a primary or secondary prophylactic S‑ICD indication underwent a thorough physical examination by a physician. Furthermore, information about the clinical history, medication and concomitant diseases was obtained. Laboratory data were gathered and a 12-lead ECG was recorded. Additionally, patients were screened for appropriate ECG morphology according to the manufacturers’ guidelines in order to be eligible for subsequent S‑ICD implantation. Finally, a chest X‑ray was performed. The S‑ICDs were inserted as previously described [14].

Device follow-up

Device performance was evaluated after implantation before discharge from our hospital. Second evaluation was initiated 6 weeks after implantation and then in periods of 6 months or earlier if the patient experienced shocks or any complications. An experienced electrophysiologist performed device FU and programming. As soon as available (August 2014) SMR8 software was updated on regular FU visits in all SQ patients.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22 software (IBM, Armonk, USA). The results are given as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Differences between groups and subgroups were evaluated by chi-square testing for discrete variables and Student’s t test for continuous variables. For ordinal data the Mann-Whitney U test was used. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The basic characteristics of our study cohort are presented in Table 1.
Table 1
Baseline characteristics
 
SQ1010®-SICD
(n = 91)
Emblem®-SICD
(n = 48)
P-values
 
n
% or Mean ± SD
N
% or Mean ± SD
 
Male gender
59
64.8%
35
72.9%
p = 0.333
Age (years)
91
41.4 ± 15.3
48
44.1 ± 15.7
p = 0.325
Cardiac pathology
    
p = 0.291
Coronary artery disease
12
13.2%
 9
18.8%
 
Dilated cardiomyopathy
15
16.5%
 5
10.4%
 
Electrical heart disease
17
18.7%
10
20.8%
 
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
21
23.1%
 5
10.4%
 
Congenital heart disease
 6
 6.6%
 6
12.5%
 
Valvular heart disease
 7
 7.7%
 2
 4.2%
 
Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation
 7
 7.7%
 4
 8.3%
 
Cardiac sarcoidosis
 1
 1.1%
 0
 0.0%
 
Other
 5
 5.5%
 7
14.6%
 
Primary prevention
45
49.5%
21
43.8%
p = 0.522
Secondary prevention
46
50.5%
27
56.3%
 
LVEF (%)
62
51.6 ± 14.7
61
51.6 ± 13.2
p = 0.990
Comparisons between groups were performed with Chi-squared test for nominal, and Student’s t‑test for rational variables
LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction by biplane Simpson’s method using transthoracic echocardiography
P < 0.05 was regarded statistically significant
No significant differences between gender, age and cardiac function indicated by left ventricular ejection fraction were observed. Furthermore, the reasons for S‑ICD treatment were similar in both groups. However, major differences in the incidence of TWOS/IS were uncovered since the Emblem patients presented a significantly lower incidence of TWOS/IS (SQ: 15.4%, n = 14/91 vs. Emblem 4.2%, n = 2/48; p = 0.049, Fig. 1). In addition, also in the SQ population a strong trend towards a reduction of TWOS/IS was observed when devices were updated with the new SMR8 software (SQ-SMR8(−): 13.4%, n = 11/82 vs. SQ-SMR8(+): 4.6%, 3/65, p = 0.07; Fig. 2). (4) Based on our findings we concluded that, indeed, the change in device generation but also probably software updates successfully reduced the incidence of TWOS/IS in S‑ICD patients. To further investigate this issue, we evaluated the 1‑year incidences of TWOS/IS in our study cohort. Indeed, between 2010 and 2016, we were able to uncover a reduction of these harmful events after implementation of the new software (SMR8 update August 2014) and device updates (Emblem-S-ICD implantation starting January 2015; Fig. 3; mean 1‑year incidence of TWOS/IS 2010–2014 = 7.94 ± 2.77% vs. mean 1‑year incidence of TWOS/IS 2015–2016 = 3.50 ± 2.40%). Notably, the lowest 1‑year incidence of TWOS/IS of 1.8% was observed in 2016 when 55 out of 139 S‑ICD patients had an Emblem-S-ICD and all SQ1010-S-ICD patients were already updated with the SMR8 software (Fig. 3).

Discussion

TWOS and IS are severe complications after S‑ICD implantation [9]. They are known to severely traumatise patients [8]. Notably, these harmful events are mostly triggered by TWOS [7, 10, 11]. Hence, development of effective strategies to prevent TWOS/IS is highly desirable. In recent years new generation S‑ICD devices with potentially better T‑wave signal sensing characteristics were introduced. Therefore, we sought to analyse the performance of the new Emblem-S-ICD in comparison with the first generation SQ1010-S-ICD. Indeed, our results obtained during a real-life scenario were able to detect a significant reduction of TWOS/IS in patients implanted with the Emblem-S-ICD. Notably, TWOS promotes IS, and therefore it is known to reduce the quality of life.
Another important finding of our trial is a trend towards a significant reduction of TWOS/IS in SQ1010-S ICD patients who, during FU, received the signal optimising software update SMR8. This update implements a new double-detection algorithm which analyses the morphology of three consecutive QRS complexes in order to specifically minimise TWOS and is usually automatically uploaded during follow-up visits. Of note, our observation was also consistent with reports on the impact of software updates on the incidence of IS for transvenous ICDs (15). However, our results did not reach statistical significance. This could probably be attributable to a too low number of patients in this group. Our suggestion is also underlined by our more detailed analysis of the yearly TWOS/IS incidence. In our collective we were able to show the correlation between a reduced 1‑year incidence and the combination of device updates and an increase in the absolute number of the new Emblem-S-ICD in all our S‑ICD patients. Notably, a 1-year event rate of 1.8% was observed in 2016, when the absolute number of Emblem-S-ICD implanted patients was highest and all SQ1010-S-ICDs were updated with the SMR8 software. Of note, the observed incidence is comparable to event rates reported for the latest transvenous ICD models [15]. This is in accordance with latest S‑ICD trials, which also showed a comparable rate of inappropriate shocks in S‑ICD and ICD study cohorts (Table 2; [9]) Therefore, the S‑ICD seems be at least equal in performance while not having lead-associated complications in comparison with a transvenously implanted ICD. Also, our results stress the importance of software algorithms as an effective medical tool for treatment of TWOS/IS. Our findings hint at the great potential of the S‑ICD for suitable patients since therapeutic efficiency was sufficient in previous trials [7]. However, our suggestions should be confirmed by larger randomised prospective multicentre trials.
Table 2
Incidence of T‑wave oversensing and inappropriate shocks
 
SQ1010®-SICD
(n = 91)
Emblem®-SICD
(n = 48)
P-values
 
n
%
N
%
 
Total
14/91
15.4%
2/48
 4.2%
p = 0.049
Cardiac pathology
     
Coronary artery disease
 1/12
 8.3%
0/9
 0.0%
p = 0.375
Dilated cardiomyopathy
 1/15
 6.7%
1/5
20.0%
p = 0.389
Electrical heart disease
 3/17
17.6%
0/10
 0.0%
p = 0.159
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
 8/21
38.1%
0/5
 0.0%
p = 0.097
Congenital heart disease
 0/6
 0.0%
0/6
 0.0%
n. a.
Valvular heart disease
 0/7
 0.0%
0/2
 0.0%
n. a.
Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation
 0/7
 0.0%
1/4
25.0%
p = 0.165
Cardiac sarcoidosis
 0/1
 0.0%
0/0
 0.0%
n. a.
Other
 1/5
20.0%
0/7
 0.0%
p = 0.217
Comparisons between groups were performed with Chi-squared test
n. a. not available
P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant

Limitations

Our study suffers from several limitations. Generally, results obtained retrospectively in a single centre should be confirmed in a preferably multicentre, randomised prospective study. However, our data represent a real-life scenario since they were obtained during daily clinical practice. Incidence of TWOS/IS in early SQ1010-S-ICD patients could be overestimated since clinical experience over time might have improved patient care, especially with regards to the selection of patients for S‑ICD implantation. Also, as indicated by the analysis of the patients’ baseline parameters, underlying pathologies did not significantly differ between groups; this may be related to the small number of patients in our study cohort. HCM seems slightly more prevalent in the SQ1010 group (23.1 vs. 10.4%, p > 0.05) without reaching statistical significance. This issue may affect the outcome parameter of TWOS/IS between the two groups. Although we tried to present similar FU periods in all groups, one has to keep in mind that FU in some patients implanted with the Emblem-S-ICD in late 2016 was shorter as compared with the SQ1010-S-ICD, which might lead to underestimation of the TWOS/IS in this population.

Conclusion

In summary our results indicate that an updated device and probably a software update successfully reduce the incidence of TWOS/IS in S‑ICD patients suggesting S‑ICD as a safe therapeutic option for primary and secondary prevention of SCD in suitable patients.

Acknowledgements

We thank Aline Larbig for her continuous support.

Conflict of interest

L. Eckardt has received lecture fees from Bayer Health Care, Daiichi Sankyo, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Johnson&Johnson, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, Novartis during the previous two years. He has worked as consultant for Johnson &Johnson, Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Novartis and has received research support from the DFG and the German Heart Foundation.
Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://​creativecommons.​org/​licenses/​by/​4.​0/​), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.
share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail

Onze productaanbevelingen

Netherlands Heart Journal

Het Netherlands Heart Journal wordt uitgegeven in samenwerking met de Nederlandse Vereniging voor Cardiologie en de Nederlandse Hartstichting. Het tijdschrift is Engelstalig en wordt gratis beschikbaa ...

Literatuur
1.
go back to reference Kusumoto FM, Calkins H, Boehmer J, et al. HRS/ACC/AHA expert consensus statement on the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy in patients who are not included or not well represented in clinical trials. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64:1143–77.CrossRefPubMed Kusumoto FM, Calkins H, Boehmer J, et al. HRS/ACC/AHA expert consensus statement on the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy in patients who are not included or not well represented in clinical trials. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64:1143–77.CrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Kleemann T, Becker T, Doenges K, et al. Annual rate of transvenous defibrillation lead defects in implantable cardioverter-defibrillators over a period of 〉10 years. Circulation. 2007;115:2474–80.CrossRefPubMed Kleemann T, Becker T, Doenges K, et al. Annual rate of transvenous defibrillation lead defects in implantable cardioverter-defibrillators over a period of 〉10 years. Circulation. 2007;115:2474–80.CrossRefPubMed
3.
go back to reference Sohail MR, Uslan DZ, Khan AH, et al. Management and outcome of permanent pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator infections. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;49:1851–9.CrossRefPubMed Sohail MR, Uslan DZ, Khan AH, et al. Management and outcome of permanent pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator infections. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;49:1851–9.CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Alter P, Waldhans S, Plachta E, Moosdorf R, Grimm W. Complications of implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in 440 consecutive patients. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2005;28:926–32.CrossRefPubMed Alter P, Waldhans S, Plachta E, Moosdorf R, Grimm W. Complications of implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in 440 consecutive patients. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2005;28:926–32.CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Prutkin JM, Reynolds MR, Bao H, et al. Rates of and factors associated with infection in 200 909 Medicare implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implants: results from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry. Circulation. 2014;130:1037–43.CrossRefPubMed Prutkin JM, Reynolds MR, Bao H, et al. Rates of and factors associated with infection in 200 909 Medicare implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implants: results from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry. Circulation. 2014;130:1037–43.CrossRefPubMed
6.
go back to reference Borleffs CJ, van Erven L, van Bommel RJ, et al. Risk of failure of transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2009;2:411–6.CrossRefPubMed Borleffs CJ, van Erven L, van Bommel RJ, et al. Risk of failure of transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2009;2:411–6.CrossRefPubMed
7.
go back to reference Lambiase PD, Barr C, Theuns DA, et al. Worldwide experience with a totally subcutaneous implantable defibrillator: early results from the EFFORTLESS S‑ICD Registry. Eur Heart J. 2014;35:1657–65.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Lambiase PD, Barr C, Theuns DA, et al. Worldwide experience with a totally subcutaneous implantable defibrillator: early results from the EFFORTLESS S‑ICD Registry. Eur Heart J. 2014;35:1657–65.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
9.
go back to reference Brouwer TF, Yilmaz D, Lindeboom R, et al. Long-term clinical outcomes of subcutaneous versus transvenous implantable defibrillator therapy. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016;68:2047–55.CrossRefPubMed Brouwer TF, Yilmaz D, Lindeboom R, et al. Long-term clinical outcomes of subcutaneous versus transvenous implantable defibrillator therapy. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016;68:2047–55.CrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Nordkamp OLR, Brouwer TF, Barr C, et al. Inappropriate shocks in the subcutaneous ICD: incidence, predictors and management. Int J Cardiol. 2015;195:126–33.CrossRef Nordkamp OLR, Brouwer TF, Barr C, et al. Inappropriate shocks in the subcutaneous ICD: incidence, predictors and management. Int J Cardiol. 2015;195:126–33.CrossRef
11.
go back to reference Aydin A, Hartel F, Schluter M, et al. Shock efficacy of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for prevention of sudden cardiac death: initial multicenter experience. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2012;5:913–9.CrossRefPubMed Aydin A, Hartel F, Schluter M, et al. Shock efficacy of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for prevention of sudden cardiac death: initial multicenter experience. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2012;5:913–9.CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Wilson DG, Leventigiannis G, Barr C, Morgan JM. ECG predictors of T wave oversensing in subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Int J Cardiol. 2016;220:27–31.CrossRefPubMed Wilson DG, Leventigiannis G, Barr C, Morgan JM. ECG predictors of T wave oversensing in subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Int J Cardiol. 2016;220:27–31.CrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Brisben AJ, Burke MC, Knight BP, et al. A new algorithm to reduce inappropriate therapy in the S‑ICD system. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2015;26:417–23.CrossRefPubMed Brisben AJ, Burke MC, Knight BP, et al. A new algorithm to reduce inappropriate therapy in the S‑ICD system. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2015;26:417–23.CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Frommeyer G, Dechering DG, Zumhagen S, et al. Long-term follow-up of subcutaneous ICD systems in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a single-center experience. Clin Res Cardiol. 2016;105:89–93.CrossRefPubMed Frommeyer G, Dechering DG, Zumhagen S, et al. Long-term follow-up of subcutaneous ICD systems in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a single-center experience. Clin Res Cardiol. 2016;105:89–93.CrossRefPubMed
15.
go back to reference Brown ML, Swerdlow CD. Sensing and detection in Medtronic implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol. 2016;27:193–212.CrossRefPubMed Brown ML, Swerdlow CD. Sensing and detection in Medtronic implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol. 2016;27:193–212.CrossRefPubMed
Metagegevens
Titel
Device updates successfully reduce T‑wave oversensing and inappropriate shocks in subcutaneous ICD patients
Auteurs
R. Larbig
L. J. Motloch
M. Bettin
A. Fischer
N. Bode
G. Frommeyer
A. Loeher
J. Koebe
F. Reinke
L. Eckardt
Publicatiedatum
24-09-2018
Uitgeverij
Bohn Stafleu van Loghum
Gepubliceerd in
Netherlands Heart Journal / Uitgave 12/2018
Print ISSN: 1568-5888
Elektronisch ISSN: 1876-6250
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12471-018-1160-y

Andere artikelen Uitgave 12/2018

Netherlands Heart Journal 12/2018 Naar de uitgave

Rhythm Puzzle – Question

Worth one’s salt

Rhythm Puzzle – Answer

Worth one’s salt