Safety issues of subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator systems. Is everything so simple and definitely?

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the safety of subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator (SCD) systems.Methods. Fifty-six patients underwent implantation of a SCD. The follow-up period for patients was 18 months. The number of early and late complications, as well as the number of episodes of shock therapy, were assessed.Results. During observation, complications were recorded in 5 patients, which amounted to 0.9% of the total number of surgical interventions performed. Three complications occurred in the early postoperative period. In the late post-operative period, complications occurred in 2 (3.5%) patients. The number of inappropriate shocks in the total sample of patients was 6 episodes (10.7%).Conclusion. SCD systems are effective for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Implantation of these systems is associated with a low number of perioperative complications, as well as a low percentage of inappropriate shock therapy.