A hybrid endocardial-epicardial biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator to circumvent the tricuspid valve

The development of pacing and defibrillator systems that do not involve hardware traversing the tricuspid annulus can be desirable in order to minimize lead-related complications such as tricuspid regurgitation. Occasionally, primary tricuspid valve pathology (ie, infectious endocarditis, nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, and carcinoid disease) or congenital heart disease prohibits use of transvenous leads and alternative strategies are required to provide pacing or defibrillation. We describe such a case in which a biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator was implanted using a hybrid system involving endocardial and epicardial components.

Automated summary

In order to reduce lead-related complications, the development of pacing and defibrillator systems that do not involve hardware traversing the tricuspid annulus is desirable. In some cases where transvenous leads cannot be used, alternative strategies are needed, such as a hybrid system involving endocardial and epicardial components for implanting a biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator.