Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices in Lebanon

Objectives: The 2017 European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) White Book was published with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) data on European Society of Cardiology (ESC) member countries. Three countries (Lebanon, Libya and Syria) of the 56 ESC member countries did not have data. Hence, there was an unmet need to have CIED data estimate in Lebanon. Methods: Data from companies providing CIEDs in Lebanon was collected to have trends on CIED implants in Lebanon from the beginning of 2013 till the end of 2017. Results: In 2017, the total number of CIED implants was 1656: 983 (59.4%) were pacemakers and 673 (40.6%) were ICDs. Most CIED implants are dual chamber pacemakers. There has been a rise in the implantation of ICDs in Lebanon from 2013 till 2017. For instance, in 2013 the prevalence of CRT-D, dual chamber ICD, and single chamber ICD were 214, 64, and 268. In 2017, the prevalence of the different types of ICD became 243, 75, and 355. Conclusion: CIED implants have increased over the last several years in Lebanon in parallel with the number of cardiac electrophysiologists. It is important to have a national registry of CIED implants in Lebanon which will require financial support for its maintenance.