The Particulars: Previous research has suggested that a variety of factors may increase the risk of adverse events following surgical procedures performed later in the day and on weekends. Few data are available as to whether this phenomenon remains true with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation.
Data Breakdown: Researchers examined the association between procedural start time and day of the week with any complication, length of stay, and mortality in patients who received ICDs. Those receiving ICDs between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and those implanted on the weekend or during holidays were more likely than others to experience any complication. These patients were also more likely to have a hospital stay of more than 1 day and had greater in-hospital mortality rates than patients implanted in the morning or on weekdays.
Take Home Pearls: ICD recipients who are implanted during the afternoon or evening and on weekends or holidays appear to be at greater risk of adverse events and death than those implanted in the morning and on weekdays. More research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of this phenomenon.
