Same-day Discharge after Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator Implantation is Safe and Cost-effective

Abstract

The feasibility and safety of same-day discharge after transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation is well-established. However, subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICDs) are now increasingly being implanted, and the feasibility, safety, and potential cost savings associated with same-day discharge after S-ICD placement has not been widely investigated. In a small cohort of patients (n = 24) who underwent S-ICD implantation at our institution, 54% were successfully discharged on the same day as their implant procedure. Procedure-related complications were not apparent in this sampling and the reduction in health care costs was high, suggesting this protocol has immense benefit in today's health care environment. As such, same-day discharge of S-ICD patients is appropriate to consider and should receive further attention.