Ann Cardiol Cardiovasc Med | Volume 4, Issue 2 | Review Article | Open Access

Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Congenital Heart Disease: A Feasible Alternative to Transvenous System in Patients Involved in Exercise Activities?

Berardo Sarubbi* and Paolo Zeppilli

Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Monaldi Hospital, Italy

*Correspondance to: Berardo Sarubbi 

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Abstract

Benefits of exercise training activities and their positive psychological effects are well established in Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) patients. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) are widely accepted therapy in CHD patients at risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias or Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). However, ICD performance may be affected by exercise activities, with the potential risks of failure of therapy, inappropriate interventions, and device injury. The use of ICD in CHD patients, physically active and in whom an exercise activity training program is required, implies some specific considerations, as the safety of sports participation or exercise and recreational activities for these patients are unknown, and recommendations among physicians may vary widely. Initial experience with the newest generation Subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) systems shows a high efficacy. The use of S-ICD could give to the CHD patients more possibilities and lesser risks then the classic ICD transvenous system to perform exercise-training program or recreational activities.

Keywords:

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator; Transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator; Sports; Exercise; Congenital heart disease; Quality of life; Sudden death

Citation:

Sarubbi B, Zeppilli P. Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Congenital Heart Disease: A Feasible Alternative to Transvenous System in Patients Involved in Exercise Activities?. Ann Cardiol Cardiovasc Med. 2020; 4(2): 1038.

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