IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR PATCH SHUNTING EFFECT MANIFESTATIONS ON THE BODY-SURFACE MAP

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the known shunting effect of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patches using the body surf ace map. Using a 32-lead body surface mapping computer system (Corazon ix Predictor, Oklahoma City, OK) we recorded body surface potential ma ps both prior to and 7 days after implantable cardioverter-defibrillat or patch placement in a patient during right ventricular pacing at 60 beats/minute. This study demonstrated a marked shunting effect from th e patches to the body surface during electrical depolarization as well as repolarization. In addition, patch orientation and configuration w ere evaluated by this method. Specifically, the waveforms were affecte d by the presence of insulator patches. This may be an important expla nation, which may prevent appropriate transthoracic defibrillation usi ng standard configurations. Further research is necessary to elucidate the true effect of the depolarization and repolarization waveform and defibrillator patches. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.