ICD's Near End of Life: Risk Versus Benefit- a Review
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2012
Description
The number of annual implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implants has substantially increased over the last 5 years and is expected to grow rapidly. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators have a proven mortality benefit by terminating the life-threatening arrhythmias, even near end of life. In patients with moderate/severe symptomatic heart failure, enough clinical literature representing mortality benefits has been published, but limited numbers of studies have reviewed the dwindling risk-benefit profile near end of life, studying quality of life (QoL)/psychosocial impact. Criteria outlining either continued use or deactivation policy/procedures near end of life have not been clearly defined and/or largely implemented, which in turn requires more focused research using multifactorial approach to determine improved patient-centered outcomes.
Citation Information
Singh, Balraj; and Singh, Jasmeet. 2012. ICD's Near End of Life: Risk Versus Benefit- a Review. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Vol.29(6). 421-430. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049909111432135 PMID: 22218919 ISSN: 1049-9091