Heart failure and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) therapy: Update and perspective on current primary prevention trials

BACKGROUND: Recently completed studies have evaluated the role of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in extending life in the letting of left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: All major primary prevention ICD trials performed in the United States are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Data to date supports the use of the ICD for primary prevention of sudden death in the setting of ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. Data is lacking in an advanced heart failure population and in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy.