ICD-Kontroverse: Braucht jeder Patient mit einer linksventrikulären Auswurffraktion unter 35% einen ICD?

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major healthcare problem worldwide. The left ventricular ejection fraction is the most important predictor of SCD in patients with ischaemic and nonischaemic cardiomyopathy. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy prevents SCD in specific patient populations and various studies have analysed the efficacy of the ICD to prevent SCD. The purpose of this article is to describe the evidence supporting the use of ICD therapy and to discuss, whether all patients with an ejection fraction ≤35% should receive an ICD.