title: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
abstract: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators have proven to be an effective therapy for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Given the ever-increasing number of patients who have these devices, increasing numbers of patients are likely to present to emergency departments with defibrillator-related problems. This article discusses normal device function, indications for implantation, and technique of implantation. It also focuses on the evaluation and management of patients with these devices presenting to the emergency department.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA.
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Thakur
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: V K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Hoon
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000628:therapy*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans