Programming: Maximizing Benefit and Minimizing Morbidity Programming

Modern implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) include many of the features seen in pacemakers and are therefore capable of adequately treating bradycardiaAs the utilization of ICDs expanded and the majority of devices are now implanted for the primary prevention of sudden arrhythmic death, we are faced with the challenge of tailoring and empiric programming of devices in an increasingly heterogeneous populationCurrently, the only available subcutaneous ICD is the device from Boston ScientificThis system was designed to be very simple for management and programingThe effectiveness of resynchronization is also modified by the programmed atrioventricular delay and the offset between right ventricular and left ventricular timingCardiac resynchroniztion therapy devices incorporate algorithms designed to overcome these events in order to promote continuous resynchronizationWith a thorough understanding of device operation function, it can indeed be optimized to provide life-prolonging therapy with minimal morbidity.