The Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillator

Use of the implantable cardioverter/defibrillator is the most significant advance in the management of patients with life­ botn threatening cardiac arrhythmias. This device represents an important practical as well as conceptual breakthrough in arrhythmia management. It places on firm footing use of non-pharmacologic tools for clinicians. The text, Implan­ table Cardioverter/Defibrillator, represents contributions by the leading clinicians in this field from both sides of the Atlantic and is a welcome addition to the library of clinical electrophysiologists as well as cardiac surgeons. The editors have well collated the critical issues related to current use of device therapy in a meaningful and practical fashion. The text amply reminds us that we are in the early growth phases of a technology that promises to completely change our approach to the cure of patients with actual or potentially life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias. It also reminds us that Dr. Mirwoski's dream continues to live and remains as a perpetual challenge to clinicians and engineers alike to bet­ ter perfect and utilize device therapy for our patients. I com­ mend the authors and editors for a superb and timely effort. San Francisco, CA, USA Melvin M. Scheinman, M. D. Preface 1teatment of patients with ventricular tachycardia and pre­ vention of sudden arrhythmic death is one of the most challenging tasks of modem cardiology. 'len years ago anti­ arrhythmic drug therapy was the medical tool used most fre­ quently in the management of patients with life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias.