Discussions on Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Deactivation in Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy: A Missed Opportunity

Established guidelines discuss end-of-life care in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). It is not known how frequently these discussions take place in patients who have ICDs and are receiving active treatment for cancer. Chart review from a large regional cardiac and cancer center from 2005 to 2019 highlighted that discussions on ICD deactivation were infrequent (28% of patients). Receipt of a palliative care consultation increased the likelihood of patients having discussions on ICD deactivation during this time. Collaboration with palliative care teams may facilitate discussions on ICD deactivation during this opportune time.

Automated summary

Research shows that discussions on ICD deactivation are rare among patients with ICDs, but receiving a palliative care consultation may increase the likelihood of these discussions taking place. Collaborating with palliative care teams could facilitate such discussions at the opportune time.