[The pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator registry of the Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing - Annual Report 2012].

BACKGROUND: The pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) Registry of the Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC) monitors the main epidemiological data in real-world practice. The survey for the 2012 activity collects information about demographics, clinical characteristics, main indications for PM/ICD therapy and device types from the Italian collaborating centers.

METHODS: The Registry collects prospectively national PM and ICD implantation activity on the basis of European cards.

RESULTS: PM Registry: data about 25 611 PM implantations were collected (18 870 first implant and 6741 replacements). The number of collaborating centers was 245. Median age of treated patients was 80 years (74 quartile I; 86 quartile III). ECG indications included atrioventricular conduction disorders in 41.9% of first PM implants, sick sinus syndrome in 26.0%, atrial fibrillation plus bradycardia in 13.7%, other in 18.4%. Among atrioventricular conduction defects, third-degree atrioventricular block was the most common type (21.7% of first implants). Use of single-chamber PMs was reported in 29.0% of first implants, of dual-chamber PMs in 61.3%, of PMs with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in 1.7%, and of single lead atrial-synchronized ventricular stimulation (VDD/R PMs) in 8.0%. ICD REGISTRY: data about 16 606 ICD implantations were collected (11 393 first implants and 5213 replacements). The number of collaborating centers was 427. Median age of treated patients was 71 years (62 quartile I; 77 quartile III). Primary prevention indication was reported in 68.6% of first implants, secondary prevention in 31.4% (cardiac arrest in 9.0%). A single-chamber ICD was used in 29.4% of first implants, dual-chamber in 37.6% and biventricular in 32.9%.

CONCLUSIONS: The PM and ICD Registry appears fundamental for monitoring PM and ICD utilization on a large national scale with rigorous examination of demographics and clinical indications. The PM Registry showed stable electrocardiographic and symptom indications, with an important prevalence of dual-chamber pacing. The use of CRT-PM regards a very limited number of patients. The ICD Registry documented a constant increase in prophylactic and biventricular ICD use, reflecting a favorable adherence to trials and guidelines in clinical practice.