1374.1 – Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death

Page last updated: 07 July 2021

Application Detail

Description of Medical Service

The proposed service involves the insertion of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) leads. Insertion of the S-ICD system is clinically similar to the insertion of a transvenous ICD; however, the subcutaneous lead does not need to be inserted into the vasculature of the heart. Rather, it is placed under the skin of the patients’ chest. The implantation of S-ICD leads requires the use of a compatible ICD generator; however, the procedure for implanting the generator remains unchanged (i.e. subcutaneous). Therefore, a new or amended service for implantation of a subcutaneous ICD generator is not requested.

Description of Medical Condition

S-ICD is primarily indicated for patients with underlying congenital or structural cardiac abnormalities, or with limited or difficult vascular access. Often these patients are quite young and may require multiple replacements of transvenous ICD leads over the course of their lives, leading to an elevated risk of serious complications, especially infection. A functional limitation of current S-ICD devices is that they cannot provide long-term bradypacing or antitachycardia pacing (ATP). S-ICD is therefore only indicated in patients who do not have symptomatic bradycardia, incessant VT, or spontaneous, frequently occurring VT that is reliably terminated with ATP.

Reason for Application

New MBS item

Medical Service Type

Therapeutic

Previous Application Number/s

1374

Associated Documentation

Application Form

Application Form (PDF 1110 KB)
Application Form (Word 110 KB)

Consultation Survey

Consultation Survey (PDF 557 KB)
Consultation Survey (Word 68 KB)

PICO Confirmation

-

Assessment Report

-

Public Summary Document

Public Summary Document (PDF 554 KB)
Public Summary Document (Word 132 KB)

Meetings for this Application

PASC

Expedited – Bypassing PASC

ESC

11-12 February 2021

MSAC

31 March - 1 April 2021