IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR IMPLANTATION IN THE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY BY ELECTROPHYSIOLOGISTS

Recent developments in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) te chnology have helped simplify the surgical implantation technique of t hese devices. There has been a marked reduction in the size of these d evices making them easier to implant pectorally. In addition ICDs have enhanced longevity and a more facile transvenous lead system. Surgica l implantation is almost identical to the procedure used for permanent pacemaker implantation in conjunction with the performance of a short electrophysiologic/arrhythmia induction protocol. In general, the ave rage implant time is approximately one hour and in our series minimal morbidity and no mortality was identified. In conclusion, ICDs can be safely and effectively implanted in the electrophysiology laboratory b y electrophysiologists in a timely and cost-effective manner. These im plant procedures can help to shorten the length of stay and improve th e operating room utilization for more critical procedures.