[Automatic implantable defibrillators: long-term results].
The automatic implantable defibrillator is an essential component of the preventive management of sudden death of patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Though its efficacy in this indication is not contested, the data concerning its influence on global cardiac mortality is more controversial. The elements of this controversy are reviewed. Several prognostic factors are implicated, the principal of which being the patient's haemodynamic status as assessed by objective evaluation of left ventricular function. Prospective randomised studies comparing medical therapy with the automatic implantable defibrillator are under way and should provide a better understanding of its indications in the future.
Leenhardt
A
A
Service de cardiologie, hôpital Lariboisière, Paris.
Thomas
O
O
Bel
A
A
Bizot
J
J
Coumel
P
P
Slama
R
R
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors
Le défibrillateur automatique implantable: résultats à long-terme.