SUBDIAPHRAGMATIC IMPLANTATION OF AUTOMATI C IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATORS

Although the material and techniques of implantation of the electrodes of implantable defibrillators have been improved, the abdominal impla ntation of the generator remains widely used as described by Mirowski in 1980. Despite a progressive reduction in their size, the generation s remain bulky and a source of local complications. The risks and disc omfort of implantation in the abdominal wall led the authors to try su bdiaphragmatic implantation in 22 patients. There was no morbidity wit h perfect healing in all 22 cases. The mean follow-up period was 11 mo nths. The patients felt very comfortable, a significant advance with r espect to abdominal implantations.