The measurement of the paced depolarization integral using the braided endocardial lead.

Previous studies have shown that the paced depolarization integral (PDI) data recorded in unipolar configuration could potentially improve the specificity of tachyarrhythmia classification in an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). However, the defibrillation protection would be compromised if the ICD case were used as an indifferent electrode. Since transvenous defibrillation leads are being investigated to be used with ICDs, this study determined if reliable PDI data could be obtained using the braided endocardial defibrillation lead (BEDL). The results demonstrated that comparable PDI values and PDI changes with epinephrine induced sinus tachycardia were obtained with all three tested sensing configurations: conventional unipolar, tip electrode to right ventricular defibrillation electrode, and tip electrode to superior vena cava defibrillation electrode. Therefore, the BEDL can be used to measure PDI data, which possibly may improve tachyarrhythmia classification in an ICD, without compromising its defibrillation protection.