The role of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) in the treatment of medically refractory ventricular arrhythmias.
After 6 years of widespread clinical use, the role of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) is well defined in some circumstances and less well defined in others. In the next year, the second generation of this device will become available, incorporating antitachycardia pacing algorithms and programmable delivered-energy capabilities into the basic defibrillator system. As a prelude to this development, this article addresses the current status and future role of the AICD in the overall therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia and presentation of sudden death.
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Ferguson