IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR - VENTRITEX(R) CADENCE(R)

The Ventritex(R) Cadence(R) Model V-100 Tiered Therapy Defibrillator i s a third generation antitachyarrhythmia device currently completing c linical trials in the United States. The implantable pulse generator i s capable of high energy defibrillation, low energy cardioversion, as well as antitachycardia and bradycardia pacing. In addition, this micr oprocessor controlled device can deliver monophasic or biphasic defibr illation/cardioversion shocks, is noncommitted to deliver shock therap y after initiating charging for defibrillation or cardioversion therap y, and can store electrograms of spontaneous tachyarrhythmia episodes. These expanded device capabilities should improve therapy efficacy an d patient management, and represent a major advance in the treatment o f patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias.