Adopting evidence-based optimal implantable cardioverter-defibrillator programming: Overcoming the inertia

When implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) first became available, they were indicated for those fortunate enough to have survived cardiac arrest. Compared to today ’s ICDs, charge times were long, shock energies were low, and monophasic waveforms were used. The primary concern was delivering a shock rapidly to promptly restore coordinated electrical activity. When indications for ICDs expanded beyond secondary prevention, there was an increasing realization that while lifesaving therapy would benefit some, many patients would experience the downsides of living with an ICD.

Source: Heart Rhythm - October 28, 2021 Category: Cardiology Authors: Martin K. Stiles Tags: Editorial Commentary Source Type: research