title: The totally subcutaneous implantable defibrillator.
abstract: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is a new therapeutic option for patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The device uses a pulse generator implanted in the lateral thoracic region and a tunneled subcutaneous electrode. Benefits of this configuration include the preservation of venous access and reduction in the risk of systemic infection, vascular injury, and lead failure. Clinical trials suggest that the device effectively senses, discriminates, and converts both spontaneous and induced ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation episodes with minimal complications. The S-ICD represents a novel implantable cardioverter-defibrillator configuration that may provide reliably effective therapy for malignant tachyarrhythmias.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rhyner
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute of Northwestern, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 251 East Huron Street, Feinberg 8-503E, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Electronic address: bknight@nmff.org.
authors.forename: Bradley P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Knight
mesh_terms: D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Cardiac arrest; Clinical trial; S-ICD; Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; Therapy