The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a proven treatment for preventing sudden cardiac death. Transvenous leads are associated with significant mortality and morbidity, and the subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) addresses this. However, it is not without limitations, in particular the absence of anti-tachycardia pacing. The decision of which device is most suitable for an individual patient is often complex. Here, we review the relative merits and weaknesses of both the transvenous and S-ICD. We summarise the available evidence for each device in particular patient cohorts, namely: ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Journal article
2025-04-01T00:00:00+00:00
68
545 - 555
10
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, Subcutaneous ICD, Sudden cardiac death, Transvenous ICD, Ventricular arrhythmias, Humans, Defibrillators, Implantable, Death, Sudden, Cardiac, Arrhythmias, Cardiac, Clinical Decision-Making