How much scrutiny and stress can the Fidelis lead withstand?

The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead has undergone numerous design and manufacturing changes over the last 25 years aimed at improving patient care and outcomes. It is widely accepted that implantable cardioverterdefibrillator leads, similar to pacemaker leads, have a finite life. The design of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead is more complex than that of a pacemaker lead, and the propensity for failure is greater. Estimates of the rate of failure vary, but during follow-up at 10 years, the failure rate may be as high as 20%.1 Factors that affect implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead performance include the implanting physician, the patient, and specific characteristics related to lead design. Most lead failures are multifactorial.