Stability of the defibrillation probability curve with the development of ventricular dysfunction in the canine rapid paced model

Most patients with implantable defibrillators have diminished cardiac function. Progressive heart failure might impair defibrillation efficacy, leading to interpreted device failure. This study sought to determine the effect of ventricular dysfunction on defibrillation energy using a biphasic endocardial system. Eleven dogs were ventricularly paced at 225 pulses/min for 2 weeks to induce ventricular dysfunction, and five control dogs remained unpaced. Dose response defibrillation probability curves were generated for each animal at baseline, after 2 weeks (at which time the pacemakers were turned off in the paced group), and then 1 week later. The defibrillation thresholds, ED₂₀, ED₅₀, and ED₆₀ (the 20%, 50%, and 80% effective defibrillation energies, respectively) were determined for each dog at each study. In the paced dogs, the mean ejection fraction fell from 55% to 25% after pacing (P < 0.0001), and rose to 46% after its discontinuation (P = 0.0002). The defibrillation threshold, ED₂₀, ED₅₀, and ED₈₀ remained unchanged in both the control and paced groups for all three studies, even after adjustment for dog weight or left ventricular mass. Rapid pacing produced no change in left ventricular mass. It induced ventricular cavity dilatation and wall thinning, which had opposing effects on defibrillation energy requirements, resulting in no net change of the ED₅₀ in heart failure. In conclusion, the defibrillation efficacy of a biphasic transvenous system is not changed by the development of heart failure using the rapid paced canine model.