Early Mobilization after Cardiac Implantable Electrical Device Implantation (EMCIEDI Trial)

To prevent leads dislodgement and pocket hematoma after cardiac implantable electrical device (CIED) implantation, the 24 hour patient’s (pts) immobilization with pressure dressing on the wound is used. However, shorter bed rest (BR) period more convenient and may prevent complications associated with prolonged immobilization.

The aim of the study was to ascertain safety of 4 hour BR after CIED implantation in comparison to 24 hour BR regime, based on retrospective analysis of the records of all patients treated with CIED in our hospital during last 2 years.

Methods: 250 consecutive patients (42% females; mean age 72.3±12.3 y.o.), who underwent CIED implantation were included in this study. We compared immediate and long term outcomes in 24 hour BR protocol after CIED implanted in 2015 (136 pts) and 4 hour BR after CIED implantations in 2016 (114 pts). Mean follow-up (FU) was 11.5±6.6 months.

Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in baseline characteristics with the exception of higher incidence of ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy in group 1 (22.8% vs 10.5%, p<0.01). Significantly higher number of implantable cardioverter defibrillators and biventricular devices were implanted in 24 h BR group (20% vs 10.8% and 13% vs 4.4% accordingly, p<0.01). The mean number of implanted electrodes was 1.9±0.5, the same in both groups.

Conclusions: The early mobilization 4 hours after CIED implantation is feasible and safe.