Clinical Medicine: Advances in Implantable Cardiac Devices

The use of implantable cardiac devices has increased and will continue to increase as the population ages. For more than 50 years, patients with a slow pulse have enjoyed the benefits of cardiac pacing to alleviate symptoms and, in some cases, prolong life. Implantable cardiac devices have evolved; in addition to providing pacing support, some devices – namely, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) – can also terminate malignant ventricular arrhythmias, facilitate the synchronization of ventricular function, monitor clinical variables, and store a wealth of information to assist clinical management. This review discusses currently available device diagnostics, highlights some advances in implantable cardiac device therapy, and provides a preview of future technologies that may improve the care of patients who have these devices.