title: Biventricular pacemaker/defibrillators versus biventricular pacemakers in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
abstract: The decision to employ defibrillator therapy in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is driven by reduction in mortality. The strength of data supporting this therapy has led to its incorporation in medical guidelines and general practice across the world. Cardiac resynchronization therapy has also been proven to reduce heart failure hospitalization and improve quality of life. Although trends toward reduction in arrhythmic events have been observed, results in multicenter, randomized controlled trials have not been compelling for stand-alone use in most patients who currently meet criteria for defibrillator therapy.
authors: Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, 4065 Blackmoor Street, Mount Pleasant, Charleston, SC 29466, USA.
authors: John Lacy
authors: JL
authors: Sturdivant
authors: Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Drive ART 7031, MSC 592, Charleston, SC 29425-5920, USA. Electronic address: Goldmr@musc.edu.
authors: Michael R
authors: MR
authors: Gold
mesh_terms: D058409:Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000628:therapy*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling
keywords: Arrhythmic death; Biventricular implantable cardiac defibrillators; Biventricular pacemaker; Mortality; Nonischemic cardiomyopathy; VT/VF; Ventricular remodeling