Appropriate Use of the Wearable Defibrillator: Advice from the AHA

The device is an option for those who are at risk for sudden cardiac death but do not qualify for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Sponsoring Organization: American Heart Association (AHA); endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society

Target Audience: Cardiologists caring for individuals at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and intensivists caring for survivors of SCA

Background and Objective

This is the first scientific advisory regarding the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator, which the FDA approved in 2002. The advisory applies to individuals at risk for SCA and to those who have been resuscitated from SCA.

Key Points

Two groups of patients may be reasonable candidates for the wearable defibrillator:

Patients who are thought of as being at high risk for SCA because of a condition that may eventually improve or resolve. These patients might have a low left ventricular ejection…

Reviewing Author

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate