Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyCohort study
Long-term performance of single-connector (DF4) implantable defibrillator leads
- Retrospective cohort study
Authors' conclusion
DF4 defibrillator leads demonstrate excellent longevity with >98.3% of leads followed for at least 5 years still functioning normally. Younger age at implant and lead manufacturer are associated with an increased risk of DF4 lead malfunction.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with single-connector (DF4) ICD leads, 2011–2023
- Participants
- 5,289 patients
- Outcome
- Lead malfunction (electrical abnormalities requiring revision)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
mean follow-up 4.15 ± 3.6 years
Leads with electrical abnormalities requiring revision
80 (1.5%)
Average time to failure (years)
4 ± 2.8 (median = 3.5)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Management of malfunctioned leads
- Extracted and replaced
- 62/80 (78%)
- Abandoned, new lead implanted
- 18
Predictors of malfunction (multivariable)
- Younger age at implant, OR per year
- 1.03; P < 0.001
- Abbott/St. Jude leads increased risk of malfunction
Original publication
Long-term performance of single-connector (DF4) implantable defibrillator leads. Europace. Published 24 November 2023. doi:10.1093/europace/euad347
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it