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Background Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation is being performed differently at many hospitals, with some keeping patients overnight after procedure while others discharge patients home same day. In addition, many centers are now performing ICD surgery while on warfarin anticoagulation. There are, however, limited data on outpatient ICD surgery on anticoagulated (AC) patients. Objective We wished to evaluate the safety of performing outpatient ICD surgery with and without warfarin anticoagulation. Methods We evaluated 866 patients who underwent outpatient ICD surgery between April 2010 and September 2014. Patients who were on novel oral anticoagulants, or did not have an international normalized ratio drawn within 24 hours of the procedure were excluded and the remainder were divided into two groups based on whether they were on (n = 230) or off (n = 518) warfarin anticoagulation. We evaluated both procedural and 30-day complications in both groups. Results The complication rate at 30 days in the warfarin AC group was 4.3%, while in the nonanticoagulated (NAC) group was 2.9% and not significantly different (P = 0.31). However, the pocket hematoma rate in the warfarin anticoagulated group was 3.5%, as compared to the NAC group that was 0.4% (P = 0.001). Conclusion Complications from ICD surgery are low in the ambulatory setting on or off warfarin anticoagulation and appear to be comparable. However, warfarin use during ICD surgery is associated with an increased risk of pocket hematoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Progress in implantable cardiac defibrillator ( ICD) technology has allowed for switching the sensing polarity for the detection of ventricular fibrillation (VF). However, whether one sensing polarity confers additional advantage over the other is not known. Objectives To determine whether one sensing polarity is superior to the other for the detection of VF. Methods Patients were enrolled into a prospective randomized study of sensing of VF and R waves in normal rhythm. Sensing of VF was determined by number of under sensed beats (USB), and time to detection of VF (TDVF). Each patient underwent ICD implantation followed by testing of the ICD. At each induction, patients were randomized to sensing in extended bipolar (EBP) or true bipolar (TBP) configuration. Additionally, R waves were compared at implant and at 1-month follow-up. Results A total of 50 patients were enrolled into the study. When evaluating the primary endpoint, no difference was found between USB in EBP or TBP configuration; 1.1 ± 1.2 beats versus 1.3 ± 1.3 beats; P = NS. Also, no difference was found between TDVF in EBP or TBP configurations; 5.9 ± 0.6 seconds versus 5.9 ± 0.6 seconds; P = NS. With regard to the secondary endpoints, there was no difference between R waves in EBP or TBP configurations at the time of implant 10.9 ± 4.8 mV versus 10.9 ± 4.8 mV P = NS; or at 1-month follow-up 12.4 ± 4.7 mV versus 12.0 ± 5.4 mV P = NS. Conclusions There is no difference in the detection of VF between EBP or TBP configurations in patients undergoing ICD implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]