title: Subxiphoid approach for implantable cardioverter defibrillator in patients with previous coronary bypass surgery.
abstract: From February 1988 until August 1991, 28 patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) received implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy via a subxiphoid approach. Only one patient required conversion to a median sternotomy incision. The mean defibrillation threshold was 11.9 +/- 4.4 J. The mean R wave was 8.2 +/- 3.7 mV. One perioperative death occurred due to heart failure (mortality rate 1/28 [3.50%]). No patient required reexploration for bleeding. The subxiphoid method for ICD electrode implantation is safe and reliable in patients with prior CABG surgery.
mesh_terms: D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D014989:Xiphoid Bone