Irregular heartbeat 6 months after aortic valve replacement

My dad is 81 years old and had aortic heart valve replacement and 1 bypass performed 6 months ago.  His recovery has been great.  He's feeling fine.  During 2 of his cardio rehab sessions he experienced an irregular heartbeat.  Initially they put him on coumadin for atrial fibrillation.  Two weeks ago he had a halter monitor.  The Dr. noted that he had 11 seconds with an irregular beat and referred him to a cardiac electrophysiologist. The CE said he has V Fib. The CE now wants to implant an ICD.  He feels his heart was weakened prior to the surgery and this is probably a result.  His ejection fraction is in the 30s.  The CE said it may continue to improve, but this would be the best option.  I'm interested in an opinion as to whether this is the best, most appropriate method, or are there other options that should be investigated.

[Forum-M.D.-bkj]

daugh,

thanks for the post.

If the rhythm was ventricular fibrillation and he has coronary disease and a low EF then an ICD probably would be indicated. There is a lot of data that would support this approach as a life saving therapy.

good luck

[EchoTech]

I would agree with the doctor above.  He has many risk factors, and implanting an ICD would have more benefits than risks.  They could explore the option of putting in a biventricular pacemaker to help synchronize the overall function, but I myself am not completely sure what cases call for a biventricular pacemaker vs. a single lead in the right ventricle.