title: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Department, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter EX2 5DW.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Rinaldi
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Gill
mesh_terms: 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