Related Experiment Videos
Heart failure and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) therapy: Update and perspective on current primary
1Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, University of California, San Francisco 94143-1354, USA.
Insights
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) effectively prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. More research is needed for advanced heart failure and nonischemic cardiomyopathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Recent studies investigate the life-extending role of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs).
- Focus is on patients with left ventricular dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major primary prevention ICD trials conducted in the United States.
- To evaluate the efficacy of ICDs in specific patient populations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of major primary prevention ICD trials.
- Analysis of data from trials performed in the United States.
Main Results:
- Current data supports ICD use for primary prevention of sudden death.
- Evidence is strongest in ischemic left ventricular dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are recommended for primary prevention in ischemic left ventricular dysfunction.
- Further data is required for advanced heart failure and nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients.
Background:
Recently completed studies have evaluated the role of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in extending life in the letting of left ventricular dysfunction.
Methods And Results:
All major primary prevention ICD trials performed in the United States are reviewed.
Conclusions:
Data to date supports the use of the ICD for primary prevention of sudden death in the setting of ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. Data is lacking in an advanced heart failure population and in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy.