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A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Development of device therapy for ventricular arrhythmias
1Department of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia. Loraine.Holley@uts.edu.au
Insights
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are now the primary treatment for ventricular arrhythmias. Advances in technology have improved their effectiveness and patient acceptance, enhancing quality of life and survival for heart failure patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has become the preferred treatment for ventricular arrhythmias over the last 25 years.
- Research has focused on understanding the complex mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmias and defibrillation.
Observation:
- Significant advancements in capacitor and battery technologies have been made.
- Improvements in arrhythmia discrimination, pacing algorithms, shock waveforms, and monitoring capabilities have enhanced device functionality.
Findings:
- These technological improvements have led to wider adoption and increased patient acceptance of ICDs.
- The integration of cardiac resynchronisation therapy with ICDs offers improved quality of life and survival for heart failure patients.
Implications:
- The evolution of heart failure treatment has been significantly influenced by the development and application of ICDs.
- Further research into ICDs may uncover new insights into the progression and management of heart failure.
Abstract:
The past 25 years have seen the implantable cardioverter defibrillator emerge as the treatment of choice for ventricular arrhythmias with reduction in size but increased therapeutic options. Understanding the complex mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmias and defibrillation in normal and diseased hearts has been the focus of many research teams including that of John Uther at the Westmead Hospital Department of Cardiology. Marked improvements in capacitor and battery technologies, arrhythmia discrimination, pacing algorithms, shock waveforms and monitoring capabilities enable wider use and patient acceptance. Emergence of cardiac resynchronisation therapy and the implantable defibrillator for treatment of chronic heart failure is not only giving quality of life and extended survival for heart failure patients but has also cast new light on the evolution of heart failure.
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