title: A critical appraisal of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death.
abstract: The indications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for the prevention of sudden cardiac death have rapidly expanded over the past 10 years. Clinical trial data have quickly been implemented into guidelines without critical reassessment of the strengths and limitations of the evidence. ICD therapy has inherent risks including infection, unnecessary shocks, potential for proarrhythmia, device malfunction, highly publicized manufacturer advisories, and procedural complications, which can adversely affect morbidity and quality of life. A reappraisal of the benefits and potential hazards of ICD therapy will enable physicians to a have a more mutually informed and balanced dialogue with their patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. RTung@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Roderick
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tung
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zimetbaum
authors.forename: Mark E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Josephson
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000150:complications; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000150:complications; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents