Preliminary experience with nonthoracotomy implantable cardioverter defibrillators in young patients. The Medtronic Transvene Investigators.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators represent an important treatment option for patients with life-threatening tachyarrhythmias. However, the requirement for surgical access to the thorax contributes to significant procedural morbidity with ICD implantation. This study was performed to assess an initial experience with a nonthoracotomy approach to ICD lead implantation in young patients. An international survey identified 17 patients, ranging in age from 12-20 years (mean = 16.7 +/- 2.4) and weighing from 33-89 kg (mean = 60.6 +/- 13.3), who had undergone placement of the Medtronic Transvene defibrillator lead system. Implant indications were aborted sudden cardiac death in 15 patients and recurrent ventricular tachycardia or familial sudden death in 2 patients. At a median follow-up of 7.9 months, 9 of 17 patients had received at least one ICD therapy. There have been no deaths. Complications included patch or generator erosion (3 patients), lead dislodgement (1 patient), and ICD system infection requiring explanation (1 patient). The initial experience with nonthoracotomy ICDs in young patients appears promising. This approach may be particularly advantageous for patients who have undergone prior thoracotomy. Prospective clinical trials will be required to establish the applicability of these lead systems to select patient populations.