Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD)

Abstract

Current state-of-the art implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) systems have been proven to be safe and effective in treating ventricular arrhythmias leading to cardiac death. ICDs require placement of at least one lead in, or on, the heart. Surgical placement under fluoroscopy and the ongoing presence of the transvenous leads within the patient’s heart are associated with a significant proportion of the complications related to this well-established and highly effective therapy. A new ICD has been developed that is implanted entirely subcutaneously (S-ICD), thus eliminating the need for lead placement in or on the heart and simplifying surgery by eliminating the need for imaging equipment. Recent clinical studies suggest that the S-ICD system provides a viable alternative to conventional transvenous devices that may reduce barriers to treatment and lead to the wider adoption of this life-saving therapy. (Cardiol J 2011; 18, 3: 326–331)