The Evolving Evidence Base of Implantable Cardiac defribrillators: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

This review describes the evidence that forms the foundation for the use of an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). The authors present the current guidelines for the implantation of ICDs and describe the most important historic and latest clinical trials that have been conducted to examine the role of ICDs for primary and secondary prevention of a cardiac arrest. Finally, the authors discuss new technologies that have been developed to improve outcomes and reduce adverse events associated with these types of cardiac implantable electronic devices.