Among patients with similar functional class and ejection fraction, the mortality risk is increased threefold in those > or = 75 years old at the time of ICD implantation. Extrapolation of results from younger patients is likely to overestimate ICD benefit in the elderly.

This study confirms that LIA significantly decreases IS therapy in patients with Fidelis lead fractures. Wireless technology enhances LIA benefits by significantly shortening time to reprogram defibrillators. However, despite the "best scenario" of combining LIA and wireless monitoring, 14% of patients with lead fractures still get IS. Further refinements of detection algorithms are required to eliminate this significant clinical problem.

No abstract