[Implantable defibrillators in the management of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Experience at the Arrhythmia National Center].

BACKGROUND

Implantable defibrillators are the most effective means to prevent sudden death in patients with malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The availability of this type of devices is limited in Chile, due to their high price.

AIM

To report the first patients treated with implantable defibrillators in our hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Nine males and one female aged 13 to 65 years old are reported. Three presented with ventricular fibrillation (presenting out of the hospital in three) and the rest had ventricular tachycardia resistant to drugs or radiofrequency ablation.

RESULTS

All implants were performed using intracardiac electrodes. The generator was implanted in the pectoral region in nine and in the abdomen in one. A successful defibrillation was obtained with less than 15 J in four patients, with 20 J in three and with 24 J in three. There were no complications during the procedure. After a 12 months follow up, four patients have been treated by the implantable device. One of these subjects had a ventricular fibrillation in two occasions. One patient died of a bronchopneumonia two years after the implant.

CONCLUSIONS

Implantable defibrillators are an effective therapy for the treatment of malignant ventricular arrhythmias with a high risk of sudden death.