Significant differences in the expected versus observed longevity of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)

BackgroundImplantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving therapy for patients at risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Due to its high cost, its cost-effectiveness is highly dependent on its longevity, which is currently only based upon the manufacturer’s predicted device life span.AimWe sought to assess the ICDs’ longevity and the factors influencing it, and to compare the observed (real life) to the expected (manufacturer’s …