title: Who needs an implantable defibrillator?
abstract: Ventricular arrhythmias account for 80% of sudden cardiac deaths. The implantable defibrillator (ICD) is an effective means of preventing these deaths. This article discusses which patients may benefit from ICD implantation and addresses the cost-effectiveness of their use.
authors.affiliation: Manchester Heart Centre, Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fitchet
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents