The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: An update

The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) provides life-saving therapy to prevent sudden cardiac death. ICDs have been implanted in millions of patients worldwide since the first human implant in 1980. Clinical trials have helped establish guidelines for ICD implantation in primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Recent trials have also tested and compared various programing strategies to avoid unnecessary shocks and improve survival among ICD recipients. IIDs may also assist with monitoring for heart failure management. In this review, we discuss the clinical science to date that has helped define the role of IlDs in current practice. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.