Mr Thomas' ICD was eventually programmed to treat ventricular tachycardia at a rate of 120/min when slower VTs (125/min) developed. What particular risk does this programming change now bring into play?
What will be an ideal response?
Suggested response: At these rates the risk of inappropriate shocks from the ICD increases. Rhythms other than VT (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and even sinus tachycardia) can readily exceed 120/min and may be interpreted by the ICD as being VT, even though there is the ability to discriminate between VT and SVTs using a range of criteria.
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