Principle Investigator: Jonathan A. Drezner, M.D
Institution: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Title: AED and ICD Use in Sports: Expansion and Development of National Registries
Abstract:The placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the athletic setting is a growing national trend and chiefly influenced by the desire to protect young athletes from a catastrophic sudden cardiac death. Our initial research raises concern regarding the effectiveness of resuscitating young athletes with a sudden cardiac arrest. A more precise understanding of the optimal locations, utilization, costs, efficacy, and outcomes of AED implementation will influence the scope of medical coverage provided at sporting events across different competition levels and ages. Purpose: Through a grant supported by the NCAA, the National Registry for AED Use in Sports (www.AEDSPORTS.com) has been developed and a current prospective investigation of sudden cardiac arrest and AED use is underway at all NCAA institutions. The purpose of this project is to expand the AED Registry to the high school level nationally. Capturing the high school population is essential in assessing the effectiveness of early defibrillation in young athletes and formulating recommendations for AED use in the athletic setting. An additional objective of this project is to develop and program a parallel ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator) Registry to define the outcomes and risks of ICD use in young competitive athletes with known cardiac abnormalities.