Implantation by electrophysiologists of 100 consecutive cardioverter defibrillators with nonthoracotomy lead systems.

100 consecutive patients (mean age 61 +/- 13 years) undergoing ICD implantation. 77 had coronary artery disease, 15 idiopathic cardiomyopathy, 6 miscellaneous heart disease, 2 structurally normal hearts. Mean EF 0.29 +/- 0.13. 68 had cardiac arrest, 32 had ventricular tachycardia or syncope.

ICD implantation with a nonthoracotomy lead system performed by electrophysiologists under general anesthesia.

Safety and efficacy of ICD implantation (successful implantation rate, procedure duration, and complications)safety