ICD's in Athletes: The Journey Continues-ICD's in Athletes: The Journey Continues

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video transcript discusses a session from the Heart Rhythm 2025 meeting focusing on athletes with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). The session features multiple talks centered around guidelines, treatment, and decision-making for athletes who have ICDs due to various cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Key presentations include considerations regarding ICD implantation types—subcutaneous versus transvenous—and pharmacotherapy strategies for managing these athletes.<br /><br />Dr. Eugene Chung discusses updated guidelines and the importance of shared decision-making in determining athletes' return to play. He emphasizes treatment differences between athletes and non-athletes, underscoring the need for cardiac risk assessment, evaluating reversible and irreversible causes, and making informed decisions about ICD placement and sports participation.<br /><br />Dr. Kirsten McIntyre explains both the benefits and limitations of subcutaneous and transvenous ICDs, noting that shared decision-making and individualized programming are crucial. Subcutaneous ICDs reduce certain risks, like infection and lead-related complications, but lack pacing capabilities, while transvenous ICDs offer these functionalities but entail higher risks of complications over time.<br /><br />Dr. Mitch Cohen and Dr. Suneet Mittal provide insights into conditions like HCM and CPVT, identifying specific therapies and the importance of tailoring medical management to reduce shocks and improve athlete safety. They highlight that while an ICD can prevent sudden cardiac death, it should not replace condition-specific treatments.<br /><br />Dr. Darryl Darden closes by discussing pharmacological approaches for athletes with ICDs, stressing that ICDs must be complemented by medications, meaning returned athlete patients should be stable on medical therapy.<br /><br />The session concludes with a conversation about shared legal responsibility, emphasizing clear documentation and legal agreements to protect physicians in cases of adverse events during athletes' participation in sports.

Keywords

Heart Rhythm 2025

athletes

implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

ICDs

arrhythmias

hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

subcutaneous ICDs

transvenous ICDs

shared decision-making

pharmacotherapy