Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyResearch article
Quantitative Vector Screening to Improve Sensing and Reduce Inappropriate Shocks With the Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
- consecutive patients who underwent subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation
- single centre (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania)
- before–after comparison of screening protocols
Authors' conclusion
Implementation of a novel S-ICD screening protocol with stricter eligibility thresholds reduced sensing-related complications, particularly inappropriate shocks.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing S-ICD implantation at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from December 2018 to July 2025consecutive patients who underwent S-ICD implantation · traditional vector screening arm 145 · quantitative vector screening (QVS) arm 78
- Participants
- 223 patients
- Comparison
- QVS protocol vs traditional vector screening
- QVSn = 78
- traditional vector screeningn = 145
- Outcome
- Time to first inappropriate shock or under-sensed ventricular arrhythmia
- Follow-up
- Median 42 months (traditional) and 18 months (QVS)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
P = 0.02
Secondary outcomes
Patient eligibility during preimplant screening
Follow-up after implant
Original publication
Quantitative Vector Screening to Improve Sensing and Reduce Inappropriate Shocks With the Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. Published 20 April 2026. doi:10.1161/circep.125.014581
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it