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Updated: May 21, 2026
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
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: indications and unresolved issues
1Department of Cardiology, Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|June 22, 2012
Summary
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) benefit patients by preventing sudden cardiac death in various conditions. Further research is needed for specific populations and optimal implantation timing.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have been clinically available since 1980.
- Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have established the efficacy of ICD therapy across diverse patient groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established benefits of ICD therapy.
- To identify areas requiring further investigation regarding ICD use.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of evidence from large randomized controlled trials.
- Analysis of data supporting ICD use in primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death.
- Evaluation of ICDs in conjunction with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
Main Results:
- ICD therapy is beneficial for secondary prevention in patients with a history of arrhythmic events.
- ICDs are effective in primary prevention for patients with coronary artery disease and nonischemic cardiomyopathy.
- Combined ICD and CRT therapy improves survival and quality of life in severe heart failure patients.
Conclusions:
- ICD therapy is a proven intervention for preventing sudden cardiac death in selected populations.
- Further research is warranted to optimize ICD use in elderly, female, and hemodialysis-dependent patients.
- Optimal timing for ICD implantation post-myocardial infarction, revascularization, or heart failure diagnosis requires further study.
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