Melanie T. Gura, RN, MSN, CNS
Director, NEOCS Pacemaker & Arrhythmia Services

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major healthcare problem worldwide. The majority of SCD events occur in patients with heart disease and most episodes result from ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT).

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy prevents SCD in specific patient populations. Significant progress in the design and technology has been made since the FDA first approved the ICD in 1985. First-generation ICD's were large, were implanted in the abdomen, and were non-programmable.

Contemporary ICD's are smaller, more easily implanted, and are multi-programmable. Placing the ICD is now similar to that of a permanent pacemaker. In addition to treating life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, ICD's now treat bradyarrhythmias (slow heart rate), atrial arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure (CHF).