Dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator selection is associated with increased complication rates and mortality among patients enrolled in the NCDR implantable cardioverter-defibrillator registry

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011 Aug 30;58(10):1007-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2011.04.039.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare single- versus dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation and complication rates in a large, real-world population.

Background: The majority of patients enrolled in ICD efficacy trials received single-chamber devices. Although dual-chamber ICDs offer theoretical advantages over single-chamber defibrillators, the clinical superiority of dual-chamber models has not been conclusively proven, and they may increase complications.

Methods: The National Cardiovascular Data Registry ICD Registry was used to examine the association between baseline characteristics and device selection in 104,049 patients receiving single- and dual-chamber ICDs between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007. A longitudinal cohort design was then used to determine in-hospital complication rates.

Results: Dual-chamber devices were implanted in 64,489 patients (62%). Adverse events were more frequent with dual-chamber than with single-chamber device implantation (3.17% vs. 2.11%, p < 0.001), as was the rate of in-hospital mortality (0.40% vs. 0.23%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for demographics, medical comorbidities, diagnostic test data, and ICD indication, the odds of any complication (odds ratio: 1.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.28 to 1.52; p < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.20 to 1.74; p < 0.001) were increased with dual-chamber versus single-chamber ICD implantation.

Conclusions: In this large, multicenter cohort of patients, dual-chamber ICD use was common. Dual-chamber device implantation was associated with increases in periprocedural complications and in-hospital mortality compared with single-chamber defibrillator selection.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Defibrillators, Implantable / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Prosthesis Implantation / instrumentation
  • Prosthesis Implantation / mortality
  • Registries*
  • United States / epidemiology