Reserve ICDs (implantable defibrillators) for sickest patients, says study
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The latest in a series of major trials examining the use of implantable defibrillators (ICDs) for treating life-threatening irregular heartbeats has suggested the devices should be used on only the oldest and sickest patients. Although the researchers were surprised at the high number of patients not suitable for ICDs, the study does add support to previous studies showing that patients at low risk may not be appropriate candidates for the expensive devices.