Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
16:40

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation

Published on: February 28, 2012

Quality of death: implantable cardioverter defibrillators and proactive care

Samuel F Sears1, Lauren Vazquez Sowell, Emily A Kuhl

  • 1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA. ssears@phhp.ufl.edu

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|June 21, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Discussing quality of death (QOD) for congestive heart failure (CHF) patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators is crucial. Recommendations aim to improve QOD from patient and cardiology viewpoints.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Palliative Care
  • Medical Ethics

Background:

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF) management often involves pharmacologic therapy and cardiac devices.
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are used to prevent premature death in heart failure patients.
  • ICDs prevent death but do not directly address the quality of death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the concept of quality of death (QOD) in patients with CHF and ICDs.
  • To provide recommendations for enhancing QOD from both patient and cardiology perspectives.
  • To highlight the importance of addressing QOD in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current practices.
  • Analysis of patient-reported outcomes and clinical guidelines.
  • Expert opinion and consensus-building from device and cardiology specialists.

Main Results:

  • QOD is a significant concern for CHF patients with ICDs.
  • Current treatment paradigms may not adequately address QOD.
  • Recommendations focus on proactive communication and patient-centered care.

Conclusions:

  • Active discussion of QOD is indicated for patients with ICDs.
  • Addressing QOD can help prevent unnecessary treatments.
  • Enhancing QOD empowers patients and families to have greater control over their quality of life.
Abstract

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