The implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
The implantable cardioverter defibrillator is the optimal treatment for both primary and secondary prevention in patients with previous aborted sudden death and with life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. This article will review the indications and the evidence supporting implantable cardioverter defibrillator use.
Rinaldi
C A
CA
Cardiology Department, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter EX2 5DW.
Gill
J S
JS
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000191:economics; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic