The evolution of Extravascular Cardioverter Defibrillator implantation: feasibility in a purely electrophysiologic setting

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ID: 325405
2026
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (EV-ICD) is a novel non-transvenous system delivering defibrillation shocks and anti-tachycardia pacing through a substernal lead. Despite proven efficacy, implantation has traditionally required general anesthesia and cardiothoracic surgical backup, limiting widespread adoption. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate feasibility, safety, and workflow efficiency of EV-ICD implantation under cardiologist-directed sedation without anesthesiology support. METHODS: Prospective observational study including 115 consecutive patients undergoing EV-ICD implantation across two European centers. Three procedural settings were explored sequentially: general anesthesia (GA, n=46), analgosedation without anesthesiology supervision (AS, n=28), and regional block with limited sedation (RBS, n=41). The primary endpoint was successful implantation without conversion to respiratory or circulatory support. Secondary endpoints included procedure duration, procedure-related complications, and device performance at follow-up. RESULTS: Overall implantation success was 97% (112/115) in a predominantly young population (50±17 years; 70% male). All procedures performed without anesthesiology supervision were completed without conversion to GA or emergency support, with comparable complication rates across groups. RBS was associated with a 27-minute reduction in procedural duration versus GA (p<0.001) and earlier mobilization (97% ambulating within 3 hours vs. 65% after 6 hours with GA; p<0.001). Over a median follow-up of 20 [10-30] months, appropriate ICD therapy was delivered in 13% of patients with 100% arrhythmia termination. Inappropriate therapy occurred in 8.9%, predominantly during the early learning phase. CONCLUSIONS: EV-ICD implantation can be safely and effectively performed under cardiologist-directed sedation without anesthesiology supervision, achieving a fully electrophysiology-driven workflow. Procedural simplification substantially reduces resource utilization and may facilitate broader adoption of this technology.
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Authors Mauro Biffi, Hans Römers, A. Quaranta, Antonio Nicolò Izzo, Carmine Verde, Alberto Spadotto, Andrea Angeletti, Cristian Martignani, Igor Diemberger, Matteo Ziacchi, Lucas V.A. Boersma
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Journal EP Europace
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/europace/euag217
URL
https://academic.oup.com/europace/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/europace/euag217/70707061/euag217.pdf
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