Unexpected inhibition of bradycardia pacing due to oversensing in ICD lead fracture associated with spurious tachyarrhythmia detection and discharges

Abstract

Ιn a 76-year old man with a dual-chamber ICD implanted five years ago, dizzy spells and significant bradycardia on Holter were not initially recognized as inhibition of bradycardia pacing, due to oversensing. Hospital admission was deemed necessary only after repetitive ICD shocks attributed to right ventricular pace-sense lead fracture. The need to ensure adequate ICD antibradycardia backup pacing in pacing-dependent patients when deleterious sensing errors occur, cannot be overemphasized.

Keywords

• Bradycardia
• ICD lead Fracture
• Oversensing
• Inappropriate shocks