Cost-Effectiveness of Implantable Cardioverter–Defibrillators

Abstract

Eight randomized trials have evaluated whether the prophylactic use of an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) improves survival among patients who are at risk for sudden death due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction but who have not had a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of the ICD in the populations represented in these primary-prevention trials.