Implantable cardioverter defibrillator - An unusual case of inappropriate discharge during showering

The evolution provided in implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) has paralleled the advances in the therapeutic options incorporated in these systems. Contemporary devices are capable of providing recordings of electrical events surrounding all delivered and aborted device therapy. This report presents un unusual case of inappropriate discharge of an ICD, resulting from electromagnetic interference. A transvenous ICD system (Sentry Hot Can 4310 HC, Telectronics Denver, CO), was implanted in a patient with ischemic heart disease due to episodes of ventricular tachycardia refractory to antiarrhythmic treatment. One month post-implant the patient reported two consecutive shocks from the device while showering. The nonphysiological cycle length (100 ms) recorded in conjunction to the scenario of the event, raised the suspicion of electromagnetic interference through electrical current leakage in the bathroom, an hypothesis that was subsequently proved. This case report underscores that electromagnetic interference can become hazardous in common daily activities of patients with an ICD.