The automatic implantable defibrillator.
The automatic implantable defibrillator is undergoing clinical trials in the United States. The device is a self-contained unit designed to detect malignant ventricular arrhythmias as they occur and to terminate them with a defibrillating current. Early clinical trials demonstrate its safety and effectiveness in terminating ventricular tachyarrythmias as well as its ability to reduce markedly the incidence of sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients. Continued refinements should further improve reliability and safety of the device.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D014481:United States