MORE EXPERIENCED DOCTORS EQUAL MORE SUCCESSFUL ICD IMPLANTS

Patients who have implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) implanted by more experienced physicians are less likely to have complications, a recent study finds.

A report published in the Oct. 18 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that patients using doctors with less experience installing ICDs are more likely to suffer from infections and mechanical complications. The report is the result of the largest study of the relationship between the volume of ICD procedures done and the outcome for patients.

The researchers analyzed Medicare records for 1999 through 2001 to determine how many patients receiving ICDs received hospital care for complications within 90 days of the procedures. Medical complications were more common among patients using less experienced doctors. Physicians who implanted at least 11 ICDs per year had lower levels of both mechanical complications and infections, the report found.