Automatic implantable defibrillators: long-term results
Leenhardt, A.; Thomas, O.; Bel, A.; Bizot, J.; Coumel, P.; Slama, R.
Archives des Maladies du Coeur et des Vaisseaux 87(11 Suppl): 1617-1622
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9683 PMID: 7771909 Document Number: 424145
The automatic implantable defibrillator is an essential component of the preventive management of sudden death of patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Though its efficacy in this indication is not contested, the data concerning its influence on global cardiac mortality is more controversial. The elements of this controversy are reviewed. Several prognostic factors are implicated, the principal of which being the patient's haemodynamic status as assessed by objective evaluation of left ventricular function. Prospective randomised studies comparing medical therapy with the automatic implantable defibrillator are under way and should provide a better understanding of its indications in the future.