Radiography of Implantable Devices

The pulse generator manufacturer and model can usually be identified from the chest radiographThe chest X-ray remains an important tool in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or cardiac resynchronization therapy systemAdditionally, the chest radiograph is essential when assessing the integrity of a cardiac implantable electronic deviceIf the radiograph has been stored digitally it is usually possible to manipulate the images to better delineate the leadsCurrently used infrequently, but still functional in some patients, epicardial ICD systems usually have easily recognizable patches positioned over the heart, as well as epicardial or transvenous pacing leads for sensing and pacing purposesICD leads most commonly have an active fixation mechanism, but may be passive, and like pacing leads should have a gentle redundancy.