Implantable defibrillators for prevention of sudden death. Technology at a medical and economic crossroad.

摘要: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy is now widely used for the treatment of symptomatic patients with documented or suspected life-threatening VTs. Although sudden death recurrence in ICD recipients virtually eliminated, extent benefit both respect to cardiac mortality and total survival this patient population remains be accurately quantitated, particularly vis-a-vis alternative antiarrhythmic therapies. Advanced device lead systems can expected further improve quality life after implant. The economic impact unrestrained proliferation enormous; however, available cost-benefit analyses support judicious use comparable other accepted cardiovascular Such prospective risk stratification becomes economically essential when considering expanding its application asymptomatic minimally populations at potential future arrest.