Multiparameter Monitoring with a Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator

A wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) is a temporary treatment option for patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) and for patients who are temporarily not candidates for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). In addition, the need for telemedical concepts in the detection and treatment of heart failure (HF) and its arrhythmias is growing. The WCD has evolved from a shock device detecting malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and treating them with shocks to a heart-failure-monitoring device that captures physical activity and cardioacoustic biomarkers as surrogate parameters for HF to help the treating physician surveil and guide the HF therapy of each individual patient. In addition to its important role in preventing SCD, the WCD could become an important tool in heart failure treatment by helping prevent HF events by detecting imminent decompensation via remote monitoring and monitoring therapy success.

Automated summary

A wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) is a temporary treatment option for high-risk patients and those who are not suitable for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). It is also increasingly important for the detection and treatment of heart failure (HF) and its arrhythmias. The WCD has evolved from a shock device to a monitoring device that captures physical activity and biomarkers for HF. In addition to preventing sudden cardiac death, the WCD could become an important tool in managing heart failure through remote monitoring and tracking therapy success.