Unresolved issues in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy.
Over the last 15 years, a series of well-designed randomized clinical trials has clearly demonstrated that implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy reduces mortality in select high-risk populations. Despite the widespread acceptance of ICD therapy, many questions related to its optimal use remain. This article discusses several key issues now confronting clinicians.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. pkm5f@virginia.edu
Pamela K
PK
Mason
John P
JP
DiMarco
D017677:Age Distribution; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D015897:Comorbidity; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents