The efficacy of the Linox DX ICD lead from a single center experience.

PURPOSE

The Biotronik Linox DX implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead is a novel VDD lead with the advantage of integrated atrial sensing dipole combined with a special augmentation and filtering mechanisms. We sought to determine the efficacy of the Biotronik Linox DX ICD lead.

METHODS

Non-randomized consecutive patients implanted with Biotronik Linox DX lead at Sheba Medical Center were included in this study. Electrical parameters and arrhythmic events were recorded during follow up of one year.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients (69 males (94.5%), mean age 61 ± 12 years) were included. All patients were successfully implanted with a Biotronic VR-T DX device and Linox DX ICD lead (DX-17 in 37% and DX-15 in 63% patients). Mean P wave amplitude at time of implantation was 3.66 ± 2.9 mV and improved significantly throughout the follow-up (5.29 ± 4.39 mV, p = 0.009). Appropriate atrial sensing (defined as P wave amplitude of ≥0.8 mV) rate of 100% at implantation significantly decreased to 89% (p = 0.015) at 12 months. Three out of 67 (4.5%) patients without a known history of atrial fibrillation had documented new onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Appropriate shocks occurred in 4 (5.5%) patients. One patient with atrial sensing less than 0.4 mV had inappropriate shock.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients implanted with the Biotronik Linox DX ICD lead in our single center, appropriate atrial sensing rate decreased over 12 months. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the reliability of long term appropriate atrial sensing.