Update in Internal Cardioverter Defibrillators

Abstract

This chapter will describe some of the major technological advances in the field of internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy. In 1993, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the release of two transvenous leads, allowing the majority of ICD patients less intrusive surgery and a reduced length of hospital stay and shortened recovery time. (see appendix A). In addition, the third generation pulse generators were released, extending the advantage of tiered therapies to a broader patient population. These devices can not only defibrillate and cardiovert, but also have the capability of back-up ventricular demand pacing, anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) (burst or rapid overdrive pacing) and sophisticated programming options for ECG sensing and delivery of shocks and/or pacing stimuli (Table 1).