Virtual 3D heart models to aid pacemaker implantation in children.

Defibrillation by a strong electric shock remains the only known effective way of terminating ventricular fibrillation and thus preventing sudden cardiac death. External defibrillators have long been used as standard therapy, and implantable cardioverter– defibrillators (ICDs), based on mature foundational technology that evolved from antibradycardia pacing, have also been demonstrated to be an effective, life-saving technology. Large, well-controlled prospective ICD therapy trials such as AVID, MADIT-I and -II, and MUST have revolutionized the concept of sudden cardiac death prophylaxis and have proven the efficacy of ICDs for both secondary and primary prevention of sudden cardiac death [1]. These studies have led to the rapid growth of patient populations for whom ICDs are indicated, with over 110,000 devices implanted annually in the USA alone.