Key result
Wearable cardioverter defibrillators provide an effective non-invasive bridging therapy to prevent sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients prior to ICD evaluation or implantation.
Why the study?
Does a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) prevent sudden cardiac death in patients at high risk prior to ICD evaluation or implantation?
Does a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) prevent sudden cardiac death in patients at high risk prior to ICD evaluation or implantation?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
WCDs provide an effective, non-invasive bridging therapy to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients awaiting ICD evaluation or with potential for cardiac recovery.
Wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCD), initially available in 2002, have recently experienced more routine use in many institutions as a means of preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) prior to implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) evaluation or implantation. WCD differ from ICD by their noninvasive nature, making them well suited for patient populations who have a chance for significant cardiac recovery (such as after an acute myocardial infarction). Despite their noninvasive nature, WCD treatment of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias is highly successful. An additional feature is the use of response buttons, which reduces the number of conscious shocks. Duration of use varies by condition but is typically several weeks to several months. Numerous studies have shown good compliance with WCD use and excellent efficacy. Although few prospective studies have been published, several are in progress including a randomized control trial of high risk patients after myocardial infarction. WCD use is rapidly gaining popularity for patients with recent myocardial infarction, recent-onset cardiomyopathies, and acute or subacute myocarditis. Surgical delays in implanting an indicated ICD or after ICD removal are also common. WCD removal occurs when the patient either qualifies for an ICD implantation or is determined to no longer have elevated SCD risk.
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Doz. et al. (2016) conducted a review in High risk of sudden cardiac death. Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD) was evaluated. Wearable cardioverter defibrillators provide an effective non-invasive bridging therapy to prevent sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients prior to ICD evaluation or implantation.
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