[The current status of implantable automatic defibrillators].
The implantable cardioverter defibrillator has become an important therapy for patients with sustained or life threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Although the concept for the implantable cardioverter defibrillator originated in the late 1960s, the first device was implanted in humans in 1980. Since then, the technology has improved rapidly the design, function and reliability of the devices have been greatly modified. There are currently five companies dealing with defibrillators in Spain incorporating multiple options in defibrillation, pacing and sensing capabilities. New devices with atrioventricular pacing and atrial defibrillation possibilities will soon become available. The purpose of this article is to review the principal functions of implantable cardioverter defibrillators currently available.
Villacastín
J P
JP
Sección de Electrofisiología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid.
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000639:trends; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006801:Humans