Panel II: The Role of Devices for the Control of Tachyarrhythmias

Dr. Hood, Moderator: This panel provides us with an opportunity to take some of the information that we have heard over the past day and a half and to place it into perspective. It is likely that the ideal antitachycardia device will not be available in the immediate future and therefore we will need to prioritize our short-term goals. First, let us address the issue of risk versus benefit, particularly in regard to the electrical management of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Is it time to consider the implantation of a device as a prophylactic measure in a low-risk patient in much the same way as we may use antiarrhythmic drugs? Is there a particular subgroup of patients who are asymptomatic but who may be at high risk for sudden death?