In the current ICDs it is possible to program a dual coil shock vector on a single coil lead.

• A. It depends on device model
• B. Only during testing
• C. True
• D. False

Answer: (C)

Shocking vectors are about which electrodes carry the defibrillation current and how that current path traverses the heart. Modern ICDs can offer more than one effective vector to improve defibrillation success. With current systems, even if the implanted lead has only a single shocking coil, you can program a dual-vector shock delivery by using the device can as the opposite electrode and configuring the coil-to-can path in different ways. In practice, this means you can have two distinct current pathways for therapy (for example, coil-to-can versus coil-to-another available return path), increasing flexibility without needing a second physical coil on the lead. The exact capabilities depend on the device model and lead design, but many contemporary systems do support this. So the statement is true.