The development and application of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
Several years ago, implantable defibrillators were recommended only for survivors of cardiac arrest. With improvement of surgical techniques and advancement in technology, defibrillator implantation is now considered an outpatient procedure. Clinical trials have now demonstrated improvement in survival in high risk patients who receive defibrillators which has greatly increased the number of defibrillators implanted. This manuscript reviews important features of the development of implantable defibrillators and reviews current indications for use.
Coats
Walter
W
University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, USA. coatswa@health.missouri.edu
Politte
Lenard
L
Flaker
Greg C
GC
D000818:Animals; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000266:history* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000266:history; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000266:history* / Q000639:trends; D004867:Equipment Design; D005544:Forecasting; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans