Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in Pregnant Individuals: Perinatal Management and Outcomes.
Publication/Presentation Date
7-17-2026
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guidance for pregnancy management in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) includes careful multidisciplinary antepartum and delivery planning.
METHODS: Case series describing outcomes of 23 pregnancies among 9 patients with arrhythmias and ICDs.
RESULTS: Among the 9 patients all 23 pregnancies were carried to term, 13 of which were managed by our cardio-obstetrics program from March 2010 to October 2025. Median delivery gestational age was 39.3 weeks. Primary cesarean delivery rate was 55.5%, with cesareans performed for obstetric indications. Three pregnancies experienced cardiac complications: antepartum ventricular tachycardia, postpartum atrial fibrillation, and postpartum heart failure. No patients experienced inappropriate firings or device complications.
CONCLUSIONS: Most patients in our case series experienced excellent perinatal and cardiac outcomes, with a maternal cardiac event rate of 13.0%. Our case series highlights the crucial role of coordinated multidisciplinary care, including antiarrhythmic therapy, fetal surveillance, labor and delivery planning, and close follow-up during the postpartum period.
First Page
109400
Last Page
109400
ISSN
2666-0849
Published In/Presented At
Gonzalez, N. B., McCormick, J., Mehta, N., Ahnert, A., & Quiñones-Rivera, J. N. (2026). Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in Pregnant Individuals: Perinatal Management and Outcomes. JACC. Case reports, 109400. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaccas.2026.109400
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
42467039
Department(s)
Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents, Fellows and Residents
Document Type
Article