ICDs Improve Life Quality
A study published in Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania noted that patients with ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators) rate their life quality at a level comparable to the average public. Patients also noted satisfaction living comfortably with devices. The most common activities of daily living about which patients cited concerns were driving, lifting heavy objects, and engaging in sexual activity.
The study considered both life quality and cost among patients who received an ICD for primary prevention. Use of ICDs for primary placement increased over the past few years following expansion of coverage by insurers to pay for the procedure. Almost 50,000 ICDs were implanted in 2005, it is one of the most common devices used in cardiac care.
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- Should Device Makers Provide Free Training to Doctors
- Heart Rhythm Society Releases Draft Recommendations
April 11, 2007 Related topics: Medical Devices & Products, Quality, Safety, Errors, Cardiology