Long term longevity of defibrillator leads: a prospective follow-up over 25 years

FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Type of funding sources: None. BACKGROUND: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead is the most fragile part of the device. Several studies have focused on both the longevity of ICD and the factors associated with lead malfunction but long-term data (i.e., ≥ 10 years) are limited. PURPOSE: We report our experience on the very long-term longevity of ICD leads. METHODS: Data from all patients ≥18 years implanted with an transvenous ICD at our university hospital between 1988 and May 2021 were prospectively collected and analyzed. Follow-up was censored in July 2022. Data included patient characteristics, lead characteristics and follow-up data. The primary endpoint of the study was the survival rate without lead failure defined by the 2017 HR consensus . Factors influencing longevity were analyzed. RESULTS: 2093 ICD leads were included in our study. During follow-up (mean = 72.6±56.9 months, range = 11-299), there were 84 lead dysfunction. Lead survival rate was 97% at 5 years, 92% at 10 years, 88% at 15 years and 85% at 24 years respectively. In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with a higher risk of lead dysfunction revealed were: younger age (p = 0.001), channelopathy (p = 0.037), Linox leads (p = 0.041), Riata leads (p = 0.022) and Fidelis leads (p = 0.001). On the other hand, polyurethane coated leads (p < 0.001), Durata leads (p = 0.036), Endotak reliance leads (p = 0.016) and Sprint quattro 6935 leads (p = 0.026) were associated with less lead dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The survival rate of the leads decreased progressively between 1 and 24 years after implantation but the risk of lead rupture seems to be maximal within the first 10 years after implant with little increase thereafter.