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Prevention of death in chronic kidney disease: The role of implantable cardioverter defibrillators
By Suzette Turner, RN(EC), MS, FNP, Orhan Onalan, MD, and Barbara Bickle, RN, MN
Learning objectives
After reading the article, the reader will be able to:
1. Determine the benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
2. Recognize common complications for patients receiving ICDs.
3. Describe the care of a patient with an ICD.
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (McCullough & Sandberg, 2004). The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has been shown to decrease mortality of patients with cardiac arrhythmias, yet CKD patients are usually excluded from clinical trials. This article discusses the ICD as it relates to CKD patients, including care of the patient and possible complications that can be encountered.
Key words: chronic kidney disease (CKD), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), arrhythmia
Author Affiliation(s):
Suzette Turner, RN(EC), MS, FNP, Nurse Practitioner, Arrhythmia Services, Division of Cardiology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON.
Orhan Onalan, MD, Clinical Fellow, Arrhythmia Services, Division of Cardiology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre,Toronto, ON.
Barbara Bickle, RN, MN, Critical Care Nurse, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON.