What Researchers Did
Researchers randomized 22 explanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) into two groups for single or iterative hyperbaric exposures at 4000 hPa to assess their mechanical and electronic parameters.
What They Found
The study found no mechanical distortion, inappropriate anti-tachycardia therapies, or dysfunction of programmed pacing parameters in any of the 22 explanted ICDs after single or iterative hyperbaric exposures. This suggests that dry hyperbaric exposure appears harmless to ICDs tested ex vivo.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) who require hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may potentially be able to receive this treatment in the future. This could remove a current contraindication, allowing more patients access to a vital therapy for life-threatening conditions.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada or with Canadian participants.
Study Limitations
A key limitation is that the study was conducted ex vivo on explanted devices, not in real-life patients with functioning ICDs.