RF Surgical Sponge-Detecting System on the Function of Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Sponsor
University of California, San Diego (Other)
Overall Status
Completed
CT.gov ID
NCT02111980
Collaborator
RF Surgical Systems, Inc. (Industry)
50
1
1
14
3.6

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

If a surgical sponge is mistakenly left inside a patient's body after a surgical procedure, it can cause a serious infection. To prevent this from happening, a new device has been developed that uses radiofrequency (RF) signals to detect the presence of surgical sponges inside the body. The device is now being used routinely to make sure that no sponges are left inside a patient at the end of an operation. However, the RF device has not been implemented in procedures for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). While the device is FDA approved for use, there is a theoretical concern that the radiofrequency signals used to detect the sponges will change the settings on the pacemaker or the defibrillator. Changing the settings on a pacemaker might make it pace the heart too quickly or too slowly, while changing the settings on a defibrillator might cause unnecessary shocks or prevent it from shocking the heart if the patient were to have cardiac arrest.

The purpose of this study is to test whether the radiofrequency device used to detect sponges can cause a clinically significant change to the settings on pacemakers and defibrillators. To minimize potential risk, the device will be tested only on patients who are having the pacemaker or defibrillator removed or replaced as part of their regular medical care, either because it is infected or because the battery has worn out. Before the pacemaker or defibrillator is removed, the settings will be carefully and completely recorded and the radiofrequency device will be used to scan the body for sponges as it would be done during normal operation.

After the pacemaker or defibrillator is taken out, the settings will again be recorded and compared to the settings before the scan. In a standard device removal procedure, no clinically significant change in CIED settings would be expected. If a new pacemaker or defibrillator is implanted in the patient, it will not be exposed to the detection device at all. We will also test whether the RF device has any effect on temporary pacemakers that patients may receive after open heart surgery. We plan to perform testing in a total of 50 patients, 40 with permanent pacemakers or defibrillators and 10 with temporary pacemakers.

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
  • Device: RF Assure Scanning
N/A

Detailed Description

Retained surgical items (e.g., sponges, needles, and instruments) are among the most frequently reported medical errors and occur in an estimated 1 in 5000 operations. A retained surgical item frequently causes a serious negative outcome, including re-operation (70-80% of cases), readmission or prolonged hospital stay (30-60% of cases), sepsis (43% of cases), or death (2% of cases). Retained surgical items are classed as "never events" by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and CMS does not reimburse for additional medical care related to the treatment for such a complication.

Sponges are by far the most common retained items and are estimated to account for 50-70% of cases. The standard method to ensure that no sponge is left inside the body is manual counting. Manual counting, however, carries a sensitivity and specificity of only about 77% and 99%, respectively. In one study 62% of retained items were detected after the count was reported as normal. If the manual count suggests that a sponge has been retained, the standard method to detect it is by taking a radiograph. Radiographs, however, are time-consuming and in one large retrospective study failed to detect retained items in 33% of cases. The standard methods of detecting retained surgical sponges are clearly suboptimal.

Radiofrequency (RF) technology has recently been employed to improve the detection of retained surgical sponges. A radiofrequency chip is sewn into the fabric of the sponge, and a circular wand that emits a radiofrequency signal is passed over the patient. The wand also serves as an antenna that detects a return signal from the chip in the sponge. If a chip is detected it triggers an audio and a visual alarm on a console attached to the wand. In a study involving 210 patients, RF detection systems had 100% sensitivity and specificity for detecting retained sponges, even in morbidly obese patients. To minimize human error during the scanning process, a new system has been developed where the patient lies on a mat that emits the RF signal and serves as the antenna. In a separate study involving 203 patients, the system using the RF mat had a sensitivity and specificity of 98.5% and 100% respectively. To carry out these studies, sponges were placed underneath patients in a blinded manner. Although it would seem that RF detection systems are superior to manual counting, it should be emphasized that an RF detection system is not a substitute for manual counting, but rather an adjunct to manual counting. The RF Assure ® Detection System manufactured by RF Surgical System Inc. is now routinely used to detect retained sponges in the operating rooms at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and at ~200 other hospitals.

There has been some concern that the radio frequency signals emitted by the RF Assure® device might reprogram the settings on CIED such as pacemakers and internal cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), since CIEDs are commonly programmed remotely using RF signals. For this reason, the technology is not commonly used in surgeries with patients with CIEDs. In vitro testing was done in a controlled setting to assess the compatibility of the RF Surgical Detection Technology with permanent pacemakers and ICDs as well as temporary pacemakers, specifically the Boston Scientific Cognis, St. Jude Medical Promote, and Medtronic Virtuoso devices, finding no interference between the RF Assure® system and these devices. Although anecdotal experience and in vitro testing has indicated that the RF Assure® system does not affect CIEDs, it has not been established whether the RF Assure® system is suitable to use in patients with CIEDs in a clinical setting. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the RF Assure® device actually can reprogram CIEDs or cause them to malfunction when used in routine clinical practice. This question is of particular importance because of the rising number of surgical patients, especially cardiac patients, that have an implanted CIED.

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Actual Enrollment :
50 participants
Allocation:
N/A
Intervention Model:
Single Group Assignment
Masking:
None (Open Label)
Primary Purpose:
Other
Official Title:
Compatibility of Radiofrequency Detection Technology With Cardiac Internal Electronic Devices (RF Assure Study)
Study Start Date :
Mar 1, 2014
Actual Primary Completion Date :
Mar 1, 2015
Actual Study Completion Date :
May 1, 2015

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
Experimental: RF Assure Scanning

The patient's CIED will be interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient will be asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand will be activated to detect the sponge. The sponge will be removed from underneath the patient's shoulder, and the RF system will be re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED will be re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.

Device: RF Assure Scanning
CIED and temporary pacemaker patients will be scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning will only be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients will have device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there have been any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals will be monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

  1. Pacing Mode Changes Between Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure [Baseline and 15 minutes]

    The Pacing Mode on the CIED was measured prior to RF scanning (with sponge) and after the scanning (after sponge removal) in order to evaluate if any significant changes in the pacing mode setting resulted. The following CIED modes were evaluated: DDD (dual chamber pacing, sensing, triggered and inhibited mode), VVI (ventricular pacing, sensing, and inhibited mode), DDI (dual pacing, sensing, and inhibited mode), AAI (atrial pacing, sensing, and inhibited mode). The number of patients' device mode switched between these settings was tabulated and is shown in the below table. Multiple post-scan assessments were not made.

  2. Pacing Polarity Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure [Baseline and 15 minutes]

    The patient's pacing polarity was measured prior to scanning with sponge and after scanning with sponge via device interrogation. The following pacing polarity measurements were evaluated: right atrium/right ventricle (RA/RV) bipolar polarity, left ventricle (LV) bipolar polarity, and left ventricle (LV) unipolar polarity. Note that not all study patients had LV leads implanted. Multiple post-scan assessments were not made.

  3. Base Rate Measurement Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned w/ RF Assure [Baseline and 15 minutes]

    The base rate on patients' devices was measured before scanning with sponge and after RF scanning with sponge. The median was determined and is presented below with standard deviation for both times. Multiple post-scan assessments were not made.

  4. Max Tracking Rate Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure [Baseline and 15 minutes]

    The max tracking rate on the CIEDs was measured prior to scanning with the sponge and post scanning with sponge. The max tracking rate is the maximum atrial rate at which a pacemaker will deliver a ventricular pacing stimulus following each sensed atrial beat. Below, the median and standard deviation are presented. Please note that multiple post-scan assessments were not made for any patient.

  5. Atrio-ventricular (AV) Delay Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure [Baseline and 15 minutes]

    The atrio-ventricular delay was measured prior to scanning with sponge and post RF scanning with sponge. Please note that multiple post-scan assessments were not made for any of the patients presented here.

  6. Battery Capacity Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure [Baseline and 15 minutes]

    Of the patients enrolled, battery capacity changes were measured prior to and post RF scanning with sponge. Multiple post-scan assessments were not made for any of the patients presented here.

  7. Pacing Impedance Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure [Baseline and 15 minutes]

    The impedance values of right ventricle (RV), right atrium (RA), and left ventricle (LV) leads was measured prior to RF scanning with sponge and post RF scanning with sponge. Multiple post-scan assessments were not made for any patient represented here.

  8. Shock Impedance Changes With Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure [Baseline and 15 minutes]

    The shock impedance changes were measured (right ventricle (RV) coil and superior vena cava (SVC) coil) prior to and post RF scanning with sponge. This was measured by performing a device interrogation in the electrophysiology (EP) lab. Multiple post-scan measurements were not taken for any of the patients presented here.

  9. Changes in P & R Wave Measurements in Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure [Baseline and 15 minutes]

    The P and R waves were measured via device interrogation prior to and post RF scanning with sponge. Multiple post-scan measurements were not made for any of the participants represented here.

  10. Capture Threshold Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure [Baseline and 15 minutes]

    Via device interrogation, capture threshold changes (the minimum amount of electricity that the box has to emit to pace the heart) were measured prior to and post RF Scanning with sponge. Multiple post-scan measurements were not taken for any participants presented here.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study:
18 Years and Older
Sexes Eligible for Study:
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
No
Inclusion Criteria:
  • Patients must be at least 18 years of age

  • Patients must be willing and able to provide consent

  • Patients must be eligible for pacemaker/ICD removal or temporary pacemaker

Exclusion Criteria:
  • Pregnancy

  • Inability or unwillingness to comply with the protocol

  • Medical condition that would limit study participation

Contacts and Locations

Locations

Site City State Country Postal Code
1 UCSD Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center La Jolla California United States 92093

Sponsors and Collaborators

  • University of California, San Diego
  • RF Surgical Systems, Inc.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green, MD, University of California, San Diego

Study Documents (Full-Text)

None provided.

More Information

Publications

Responsible Party:
Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green, Professor of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California, San Diego
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT02111980
Other Study ID Numbers:
  • 131198
First Posted:
Apr 11, 2014
Last Update Posted:
Dec 24, 2019
Last Verified:
Dec 1, 2019

Study Results

Participant Flow

Recruitment Details Patients that required a pacemaker/ICD generator change or device implant were approached for participation in this study in both the Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center Clinic and Pre-procedural Unit. Patients undergoing PTE Surgery were also approached in these settings.
Pre-assignment Detail
Arm/Group Title RF Assure Scanning
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning.
Period Title: Overall Study
STARTED 50
COMPLETED 50
NOT COMPLETED 0

Baseline Characteristics

Arm/Group Title RF Assure Scanning
Arm/Group Description Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) (implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) and permanent pacemakers (PPM)) and temporary pacemaker patients (during pulmonary thromboendartectomy (PTE) surgery) were scanned with the Radiofrequency (RF) surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology.
Overall Participants 50
Age (years) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Pacemaker
74.5
(17)
ICD
64
(17.4)
PTE
54.9
(13.1)
Sex: Female, Male (Count of Participants)
Female
16
32%
Male
34
68%
Region of Enrollment (participants) [Number]
United States
50
100%
Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m^2) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Pacemaker
26.3
(3.6)
ICD
29.8
(6.1)
PTE
30.8
(3.9)
History of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) (participants) [Number]
Pacemaker
6
12%
ICD
6
12%
PTE
1
2%
History of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) (participants) [Number]
Pacemaker
14
28%
ICD
5
10%
PTE
2
4%
History of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) (participants) [Number]
Pacemaker
3
6%
ICD
6
12%
PTE
3
6%
History of Hypertension (HTN) (participants) [Number]
Pacemaker
15
30%
ICD
10
20%
PTE
5
10%
Measured Ejection Fraction (EF) (%) (percentage) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
Pacemaker
56.2
(17)
ICD
37
(17)
PTE
67.6
(10)

Outcome Measures

1. Primary Outcome
Title Pacing Mode Changes Between Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure
Description The Pacing Mode on the CIED was measured prior to RF scanning (with sponge) and after the scanning (after sponge removal) in order to evaluate if any significant changes in the pacing mode setting resulted. The following CIED modes were evaluated: DDD (dual chamber pacing, sensing, triggered and inhibited mode), VVI (ventricular pacing, sensing, and inhibited mode), DDI (dual pacing, sensing, and inhibited mode), AAI (atrial pacing, sensing, and inhibited mode). The number of patients' device mode switched between these settings was tabulated and is shown in the below table. Multiple post-scan assessments were not made.
Time Frame Baseline and 15 minutes

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
The PTE participants were not included in this analysis because temporary devices do not have capabilities for interrogation (ie: recording pacing mode changes).
Arm/Group Title Pre-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure Post-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning. The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.
Measure Participants 40 40
Pacing Mode - DDD
29
58%
29
NaN
Pacing Mode - VVI
8
16%
8
NaN
Pacing Mode - DDI
2
4%
2
NaN
Pacing Mode - AAI
1
2%
1
NaN
Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Pre-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure, Post-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Comments
Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other (legacy)
Comments
Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value 1.0
Comments
Method t-test, 2 sided
Comments
2. Primary Outcome
Title Pacing Polarity Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure
Description The patient's pacing polarity was measured prior to scanning with sponge and after scanning with sponge via device interrogation. The following pacing polarity measurements were evaluated: right atrium/right ventricle (RA/RV) bipolar polarity, left ventricle (LV) bipolar polarity, and left ventricle (LV) unipolar polarity. Note that not all study patients had LV leads implanted. Multiple post-scan assessments were not made.
Time Frame Baseline and 15 minutes

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
The PTE participants were not included in this analysis because temporary devices do not have capabilities for interrogation (ie: recording pacing polarity changes).
Arm/Group Title Pre-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure Post-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning. The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.
Measure Participants 40 40
RA/RV (bipolar)
40
80%
40
NaN
LV (bipolar)
5
10%
5
NaN
LV (unipolar)
3
6%
3
NaN
3. Primary Outcome
Title Base Rate Measurement Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned w/ RF Assure
Description The base rate on patients' devices was measured before scanning with sponge and after RF scanning with sponge. The median was determined and is presented below with standard deviation for both times. Multiple post-scan assessments were not made.
Time Frame Baseline and 15 minutes

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
The PTE temporary pacing participants were not included in this analysis because temporary devices do not have capabilities for interrogation (ie: recording base rate measurement changes).
Arm/Group Title Pre-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure Post-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning. The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.
Measure Participants 40 40
Median (Standard Deviation) [bpm]
60
(10.27)
60
(10.27)
4. Primary Outcome
Title Max Tracking Rate Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure
Description The max tracking rate on the CIEDs was measured prior to scanning with the sponge and post scanning with sponge. The max tracking rate is the maximum atrial rate at which a pacemaker will deliver a ventricular pacing stimulus following each sensed atrial beat. Below, the median and standard deviation are presented. Please note that multiple post-scan assessments were not made for any patient.
Time Frame Baseline and 15 minutes

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
34 of 40 participants' Max Tracking Rate was measured. 6 MTRs were not measured or unable to be measured during testing. The PTE temporary pacing participants were not included in this analysis because temporary devices do not have capabilities for interrogation (ie: recording max tracking rate changes).
Arm/Group Title Pre-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure Post-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning. The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.
Measure Participants 34 34
Median (Standard Deviation) [bpm]
130
(14.51)
130
(14.51)
5. Primary Outcome
Title Atrio-ventricular (AV) Delay Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure
Description The atrio-ventricular delay was measured prior to scanning with sponge and post RF scanning with sponge. Please note that multiple post-scan assessments were not made for any of the patients presented here.
Time Frame Baseline and 15 minutes

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
31 patients were evaluated of the 40 in this analysis of the AV Delay 9 paced AV Delays were either not measured or unable to be measured during this study. The PTE participants were not included in this analysis because temporary devices do not have capabilities for interrogation (ie: recording AV Delay Changes).
Arm/Group Title Pre-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure Post-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning. The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.
Measure Participants 31 31
Sensed AV Delay
230
(69.3)
230
(69.3)
Paced AV Delay
250
(68.3)
250
(68.3)
6. Primary Outcome
Title Battery Capacity Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure
Description Of the patients enrolled, battery capacity changes were measured prior to and post RF scanning with sponge. Multiple post-scan assessments were not made for any of the patients presented here.
Time Frame Baseline and 15 minutes

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
Of all participants, only 24 were analyzed in this outcome, as their devices reported battery life in millivolts (while other devices reported battery life in % or years). The PTE temporary pacing participants weren't included in this analysis because temporary devices do not have capabilities for interrogation.
Arm/Group Title Pre-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure Post-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning. The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.
Measure Participants 24 24
Median (Standard Deviation) [mV]
2.745
(0.23)
2.744
(0.23)
7. Primary Outcome
Title Pacing Impedance Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure
Description The impedance values of right ventricle (RV), right atrium (RA), and left ventricle (LV) leads was measured prior to RF scanning with sponge and post RF scanning with sponge. Multiple post-scan assessments were not made for any patient represented here.
Time Frame Baseline and 15 minutes

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
40 subjects were analyzed. Note that not all had both RA, RV, and LV leads. Therefore, the number of leads (and therefore their impedance values reported below) does not match for each group. The PTE temporary pacing participants were not included in this analysis because temporary devices do not have capabilities for interrogation.
Arm/Group Title Pre-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure Post-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning. The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.
Measure Participants 40 40
RA Impedance
500.1
(161.18)
495.1
(161.48)
RV Impedance
531.9
(135.96)
530.6
(135.08)
LV Impedance
592.8
(255.19)
610.1
(236.89)
8. Primary Outcome
Title Shock Impedance Changes With Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure
Description The shock impedance changes were measured (right ventricle (RV) coil and superior vena cava (SVC) coil) prior to and post RF scanning with sponge. This was measured by performing a device interrogation in the electrophysiology (EP) lab. Multiple post-scan measurements were not taken for any of the patients presented here.
Time Frame Baseline and 15 minutes

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
SVC and RV Coils are specific to ICDs, and therefore, PPMs and Temporary Pacemakers were not included in this analysis.
Arm/Group Title Pre-Scan Measures for ICDs Scanned With RF Assure Post-Scan Measures for ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning. The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.
Measure Participants 20 20
RV Coil
51.30
(18.36)
51.5
(18.14)
SVC Coil
53.45
(17.53)
53.70
(17.13)
9. Primary Outcome
Title Changes in P & R Wave Measurements in Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure
Description The P and R waves were measured via device interrogation prior to and post RF scanning with sponge. Multiple post-scan measurements were not made for any of the participants represented here.
Time Frame Baseline and 15 minutes

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
32 of the 40 participants were evaluated in this study for P and R measurements. 8 patients' devices either didn't have the P or R measured or they was unable to be measured. The PTE temporary pacing participants were not included in this analysis because temporary devices do not have capabilities for interrogation.
Arm/Group Title Pre-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure Post-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning. The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.
Measure Participants 32 32
P Wave
2.5
(1.38)
2.469
(1.37)
R Wave
10.73
(5.25)
10.76
(5.29)
10. Primary Outcome
Title Capture Threshold Changes With Permanent Pacemakers (PPMs)/Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) Scanned With RF Assure
Description Via device interrogation, capture threshold changes (the minimum amount of electricity that the box has to emit to pace the heart) were measured prior to and post RF Scanning with sponge. Multiple post-scan measurements were not taken for any participants presented here.
Time Frame Baseline and 15 minutes

Outcome Measure Data

Analysis Population Description
Because not all devices are equipped with RA, RV, and LV leads, note the population values in the below table for each group: right atrium (RA) thresholds, right ventricle (RV) thresholds, and left ventricle (LV) thresholds. The PTE participants were not included in this analysis because temporary devices do not have capabilities for interrogation.
Arm/Group Title Pre-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure Post-Scan Measures for PPM/ICDs Scanned With RF Assure
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning. The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function.
Measure Participants 40 40
RA Threshold
0.806
(0.35)
0.819
(0.36)
RV Threshold
0.955
(0.49)
0.972
(0.50)
LV Threshold
2.616
(1.16)
2.320
(1.16)

Adverse Events

Time Frame Patients were evaluated for adverse events for up to 2 days after their procedure. This was not a follow-up study, therefore, any events that may have occurred after patients were discharged from the hospital were not assessed for this study.
Adverse Event Reporting Description
Arm/Group Title RF Assure Scanning
Arm/Group Description The patient's CIED was interrogated prior to the study to obtain a baseline reading. The patient was asked to lie down on the RF Assure® Detection Mat with a sponge placed underneath his or her shoulder. The RF Assure® mat and wand were activated to detect the sponge. The sponge was removed, and the RF system was re-activated to obtain a clear reading. The patient's CIED was re-interrogated to determine if the RF Assure system caused any changes to the CIED parameters or function. RF Assure Scanning: CIED and temporary pacemaker patients were scanned with RF surgical sponge detection wand and mat as well as with and without the RF sponge. The scanning was be conducted on the device scheduled for removal. Patients had device interrogated before and after scanning (for CIEDs) to determine if there were any clinically significant changes in programming or settings due to scanning with RF technology. Vitals were monitored and recorded before, during, and after scanning.
All Cause Mortality
RF Assure Scanning
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total / (NaN)
Serious Adverse Events
RF Assure Scanning
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total 0/50 (0%)
Other (Not Including Serious) Adverse Events
RF Assure Scanning
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total 0/50 (0%)

Limitations/Caveats

[Not Specified]

More Information

Certain Agreements

Principal Investigators are NOT employed by the organization sponsoring the study.

There is NOT an agreement between Principal Investigators and the Sponsor (or its agents) that restricts the PI's rights to discuss or publish trial results after the trial is completed.

Results Point of Contact

Name/Title Dr. Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green
Organization UC San Diego School of Medicine
Phone 858-657-5310
Email ubgreen@ucsd.edu
Responsible Party:
Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green, Professor of Medicine, Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California, San Diego
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT02111980
Other Study ID Numbers:
  • 131198
First Posted:
Apr 11, 2014
Last Update Posted:
Dec 24, 2019
Last Verified:
Dec 1, 2019