Cited 134 times since 2011 (10.5 per year) source: EuropePMC Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Volume 58, Issue 10, 1 1 2011, Pages 995-1000 Implantation-related complications of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. van Rees JB, de Bie MK, Thijssen J, Borleffs CJ, Schalij MJ, van Erven L
The number of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantations is increasing drastically worldwide, and hence, the number of implanting centers is also increasing. Despite abundant data on the beneficial effect of these devices, little is known regarding safety and complication rates. Eleven ICD and 7 CRT trials were systematically reviewed to provide data on the frequency of in-hospital mortality and complications related to the implantation. Average in-hospital mortality was 2.7% in trials using both thoracotomy and nonthoracotomy ICDs, 0.2% in trials using nonthoracotomy ICDs, and 0.3% in CRT trials. The pneumothorax rate was similar between the nonthoracotomy ICD and CRT trials (0.9%) Coronary sinus complications occurred in 2.0% of patients undergoing CRT. Lead dislodgement rates were higher in CRT trials (5.7%) than in nonthoracotomy ICD trials (1.8%).
