Krahn, Andrew D., Pickett, Robert A., Sakaguchi, Scott, Shaik, Naushad, Cao, Jian, Norman, Holly S., Guerrero, Patricia
funding text
This study was sponsored by Medtronic, Inc.
abstract
Introduction Reducing the form factor of an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) may simplify device implant. This study evaluated R-wave sensing at a range of electrode distances and a preferred device implant location without mapping. Methods Patients scheduled for a Medtronic Reveal (R) ICM implant (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) underwent a preimplant pocket recording using a diagnostic recording catheter. The ICM implant location was left to the discretion of the implanting physician, but a "recommended" position spanned the V-2-V-3 electrocardiogram electrode location in an oblique 45 degrees angle. R-wave amplitudes were analyzed from ICM follow-up. Results Seventeen of 41 subjects (15 male, age 57 +/- 16 years) had the maximum surface-filtered R-wave at the recommended location. Fourteen patients underwent diagnostic recording across the range of electrode spacing. There was a strong correlation between the R-wave amplitude and electrode distance (r(2) = 0.97, P < 0.001) with an increase of 29 mu V per 2.5 mm. Comparing normalized R-wave distributions between the recommended ICM implant group (Group 1, n = 19) and the remaining patients (Group 2, n = 7), the proportion of ICM R-wave counts of amplitude 0.25-1.2 mV was higher (79% vs 46%, P < 0.05). Of 17 patients in Group 1 who had >= 1-month ICM follow-up (79 +/- 45 days), no sensing-related false arrhythmia detection was found in 16 (93%) patients. Conclusions The subcutaneous R-wave amplitude correlates with electrode spacing in the implant zone of ICM patients. Implant locations at the V-2-V-3 position at a 45 degrees angle offer an adequate R wave for sensing. Preimplant mapping to achieve acceptable R-wave amplitude may not be necessary.