PURPOSE The implantable cardioverter defibrillator has been assessed in randomized trials, but the generalizability of trial results to broader clinical settings is unclear. Our purpose was to evaluate the outcomes and costs of defibrillator use in an unselected population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We identified 125,892 Medicare patients who were discharged between 1987 and 1995 after hospitaliza...

BACKGROUND The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is recognized as a viable alternative to the transvenous ICD. The safety and efficacy of this device has been demonstrated in Western countries, but studies with S-ICD implantation in Japanese patients have not been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS Twelve patients received an S-ICD implant in our institute between Februar...

This paper presents a description of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD), as well as information pertaining to indications for its use, patient selection criteria, surgical implantation techniques, and anesthetic implications. A brief historical overview of the development of the AICD is included. Complications, indications, and contraindications associated with the devi...

Extensive myocardial dystrophic calcification is rare and indicates a poor prognosis with risk of arrhythmia recurrent heart failure. We present long term survivor extensive infarction presenting as related unstable ventricular tachycardia needing an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of aerobic interval training on quality of life and on symptoms of anxiety and depression among patients with ischaemic heart failure and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. DESIGN Prospective, non-randomized controlled study. SUBJECTS Patients with ischaemic heart failure and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, willing to...

Because the automatic implantable defibrillator may be used in patients having ischemic heart disease, it is important to know whether myocardial ischemia changes the threshold for ventricular defibrillation under experimental conditions simulating automatic internal defibrillation. We determined changes in ventricular defibrillation threshold following coronary occlusion, using an electrode ca...

t-wave oversensing occurs when the counter starts giving dual beeps for every cardiac cycle instead of one. this usually happens when the monitoring lead displays a tall t wave, which is also sharp. r wave sensing algorithms of the devices do not sense t wave because the slow rate of the t wave is much less than that of the r wave. but the slow rate of t waves may change with time and also beca...

Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus are the commonest pathogens involved in infections of pacemaker-defibrillator systems. Among causative Gram-negative bacteria, infections due to Klebsiella, Serratia, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and other species have been reported. We report herein a unique case of an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator infection due to Pro...

An 18 month old 14 kg male with symptomatic Brugada syndrome underwent placement of an epicardial automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator using a single coil transvenous lead sutured to the anterolateral aspect of the left ventricle.

This article describes an interesting case of automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) extrusion fifteen months after implantation. The case report is followed by a discussion of the causes and treatment of skin erosion following pacemaker/AICD insertion.