title: The patient with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
abstract: Electrophysiologic technology developed over the past 20 years has improved the life expectancy of patients who have survived sudden cardiac death events. Use of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) continues to increase as more indications for the device are researched. Patients with ICDs will be cared for in the postanesthesia care unit following cardiac and noncardiac surgery and require PACU nurses to be knowledgeable about this advanced and changing technology as well as provide for emotional and psychological needs.
authors.affiliation: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA. sfetzer@cisunix.unh.edu
authors.forename: Susan Jane
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Fetzer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000600:supply & distribution; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018579:Patient Selection; D016528:Postanesthesia Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D015996:Survival Rate; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome