Full Description
Use of the implantable cardioverter/defibrillator is the most significant advance in the management of patients with life- botn threatening cardiac arrhythmias. This device represents an important practical as well as conceptual breakthrough in arrhythmia management. It places on firm footing use of non-pharmacologic tools for clinicians. The text, Implan- table Cardioverter/Defibrillator, represents contributions by the leading clinicians in this field from both sides of the Atlantic and is a welcome addition to the library of clinical electrophysiologists as well as cardiac surgeons. The editors have well collated the critical issues related to current use of device therapy in a meaningful and practical fashion. The text amply reminds us that we are in the early growth phases of a technology that promises to completely change our approach to the cure of patients with actual or potentially life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias. It also reminds us that Dr. Mirwoski's dream continues to live and remains as a perpetual challenge to clinicians and engineers alike to bet- ter perfect and utilize device therapy for our patients.
I com- mend the authors and editors for a superb and timely effort. San Francisco, CA, USA Melvin M. Scheinman, M. D. Preface 1teatment of patients with ventricular tachycardia and pre- vention of sudden arrhythmic death is one of the most challenging tasks of modem cardiology. 'len years ago anti- arrhythmic drug therapy was the medical tool used most fre- quently in the management of patients with life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Contents
I: Historical Evolution of the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.- Historical Evolution of the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in the Treatment of Malignant Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias.- II: Identification of the Patient at High Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death.- The Role of Ambulatory ECG Monitoring in the Prediction of Sudden Cardiac Death.- Identification of the Patient at High Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death: The Value of Ventricular Late Potentials.- Identification of the Patient at High Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death: The Value of Electrophysiological Studies.- III: Technical and Electrophysiological Aspects of the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.- Implantable Device Algorithms for Detection and Discrimination of Tachyarrhythmia.- Does Defibrillation Obey the Fundamental Law of Electrostimulation?.- Optimal Waveform Morphology for Defibrillation.- Prerequisites for the Safety and Efficacy of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.- The Role of Leads and Electrodes.- IV: The Role of the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in the Treatment of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia.- Long-Term Clinical Results with the Implantable Defibrillator.- Clinical Results with the Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator.- Combining Drugs with the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Clinical Implications.- Antitachycardia Pacing, Cardioversion, and Defibrillation: From the Past to the Future.- Treatment Algorithm for Patients with Life-Threatening Ventricular Tachyarrhytmia.- V: Surgical Aspects of Defibrillation Treatment.- Defibrillator Leads: Optimizing of Configuration, Placement, and Energy Delivery.- Surgical Techniques of Defibrillator Implantation.- Complications Associated with the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.- Safety Margin for Defibrillation.- VI: Living with the Implantable Defibrillator.- Management and Follow-up of the Implantable Defibrillator Patient.- The Social and Economic Impact of the New Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Technology.- Outlook.
