Alternative technique for implanting an epicardial cardioverter defibrillation patch during a tricuspid valve replacement for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Transvenous endocardial cardioverter defibrillator lead implantation is contraindicated in patients with prosthetic tricuspid valves (TVs). A 61-year-old male was hospitalized due to right heart failure, severe TV regurgitation, and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), which required Sotalol. The patient received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) using an epicardial cardioverter defibrillation patch during a TV replacement (TVR) for VT and severe TV regurgitation because of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. There were no complications and the stimulation thresholds were stable. ICD implantation with the use of an epicardial cardioverter defibrillation patch serves as a safe, easy and effective therapy for patients undergoing TVR complicated with ventricular arrhythmia. © 2011 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.