Anesthetic management for the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

The use of implantable cardioverter-defbrillators to treat ventricular tachyarrhythmias has increased over the last 15 years. This article presents a description of third- and fourth-generation implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), including information concerning their use, patient selection criteria, surgical implantation techniques, and anesthetic implications. A brief history of the development of the ICD is discussed. Indications, contraindications and complications are examined.