Battery Longevity in Modern Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy‐Defibrillators

TL;DR

This study found that battery life in implantable heart devices varies by manufacturer, with Boston Scientific devices lasting longer than others, which could reduce the need for replacements.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into battery longevity differences among major manufacturers of implantable heart devices.

Findings

Boston Scientific devices had significantly longer battery life compared to Abbott and Medtronic devices.

Device manufacturer, type, and ventricular pacing rate were independent predictors of battery depletion.

6-year replacement-free survival ranged from 99% to 100% for ICDs and 21%–93% for CRT-Ds.

Abstract

Battery longevity in high‐voltage devices (HVDs), specifically implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillators (CRT‐Ds), is critical for reducing the frequency of generator replacements, minimizing procedural risks, and enhancing patient outcomes. Despite technological advancements, significant variability in battery performance remains among the major manufacturers. This study aimed to evaluate the battery longevity among ICDs and CRT‐Ds from the major manufacturers implanted at a single institution and identify the factors influencing battery depletion.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 353 patients implanted with HVDs (63 Abbott, 150 Boston Scientific, 140 Medtronic) at Hokkaido University Hospital between 2012 and 2021. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the device longevity, with a primary endpoint of the time to battery depletion, defined by the elective replacement indicator. A multivariate analysis adjusted for the potential confounders.

Boston Scientific devices exhibited a significantly longer battery life than Abbott and Medtronic devices (p < 0.001), with a 6‐year replacement‐free survival of 99% for ICDs and 93% for CRT‐Ds. A multivariate analysis identified the device manufacturer, device type (ICD vs. CRT‐D), and ventricular pacing rate as independent predictors of battery depletion (p < 0.001).

Battery longevity differed significantly by the manufacturer, which may influence device selection. Devices with a longer battery life may help reduce the replacement frequency and could potentially contribute to improved patient outcomes and cost‐effectiveness.

A retrospective analysis of 353 patients implanted with HVDs between 2012 and 2021 revealed that 6‐year replacement‐free survival ranged from 99% to 100% for ICDs and 21%–93% for CRT‐Ds. Device manufacturer and ventricular pacing rate were identified as independent predictors of battery depletion. CRT‐D, cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator; HVD, high‐voltage device; ICD, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator.

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