Best clinical practice: art, science, or both?: comment on 'implantable cardiac device procedures in older patients'.

摘要

Since its inception in the 1980s, the ICD has evolved from a rarely used "last resort" procedure to an essential and commonly used treatment for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. Approximately 400 000 ICDs were implanted in the United States during the last 3 years, with a current implantation rate of 10 000 to 12 500 ICDs per month.