Progress in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy: Advancement Beyond Technology Alone

Over 50 years ago, an American president ambitiously challenged his country to land a man on the moon. When it comes to the progress in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) technology, no such challenge has ever been issued nor required. Nevertheless, its history is actually quite remarkable, from its original conception to a commonly utilized approach to anti-arrhythmia therapy in high-risk cardiovascular patients. Beginning with relatively large, thoracotomy-based systems with limited diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, the ICD has evolved into a powerhouse of technology, offering an ever-growing spectrum of clinical data and therapies.

Source: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine - February 20, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Deepak Bhakta, Lynne D. Foreman Source Type: research