Accelerated Implantable Defibrillator Battery Depletion Secondary to Lithium Cluster Formation: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Device failure from unanticipated and precipitous battery depletion is uncommon but can be life-threatening. Multiple mechanisms of battery failure have been previously described in the medical literature. METHODS: However, in this current case series, we describe the largest cohort of patients (n = 4) with St. Jude (St. Paul, MN, USA) early implantable defibrillator battery depletion attributable to lithium cluster formation causing short circuit and high current drain. CONCLUSION: Clinicians must be aware of this occult cause of device failure and more studies are needed to determine its true prevalence.