Hospitalization profiles and complications across icd and CRT-D implantations in germany: data from the video STUDY

Background Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are a cornerstone therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. However, clinical profiles and in-hospital outcomes may differ according to device type—single-chamber ICD, dual-chamber ICD, and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). This study aimed to compare hospitalization parameters and peri-procedural complications among patients receiving single-chamber ICDs, dual-chamber ICDs, and CRT-Ds. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 2,813 consecutive ICD cases (single-chamber: 1,224; dual-chamber: 597; CRT-D: 992). Baseline characteristics, intensive care unit (ICU) utilization, procedure-related complications, and discharge outcomes were compared across groups. Results CRT-D recipients were older (p<0.01) and had additional comorbid diseases, including diabetes mellitus(p<0.01), atrial fibrillation or flutter(p<0.01) and chronic kidney disease(p<0.01) compared with single- and dual-chamber ICD patients. The incidence of prior cardiac arrest(19.1%) and postprocedural ICU admission (45.9%), was most frequent in the dual-chamber ICD group, while ICU stay was shorter (p< 0.01) and the use of mechanical ventilation was lower (p < 0.01) in the CRT-D group. The incidence of cardiac tamponade and in-hospital death was lower in single-chamber ICD group (p< 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion Despite older age and higher comorbidity burden, CRT-D recipients demonstrated short ICU stay, whereas single ICD recipients had lowest in-hospital mortality in comparison to other groups.