Impact of the main implantable cardioverter-defibrillator trials for primary and secondary prevention in Italy: a survey of the national activity during the years 2001-2004.

Background: Several trials demonstrated the lifesaving role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in high-risk groups of patients. Aim of this review was to report the clinical characteristics of patients enrolled in the ICD Registry of the Italian Association of Arrhythmology (AIAC) in the years 2001-2004.

Methods: The Registry collects prospectively 85% of national ICD implantation activity on the basis of European ICD form (EURID).

The Italian Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Registry. A survey of the national activity during the years 2001-2003.

Background: In recent years several trials demonstrated the efficacy of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy for sudden cardiac death prevention and total mortality reduction in particular high-risk groups of patients. The aim of this review was to report the main epidemiological data and the most important clinical characteristics of patients enrolled in the Italian ICD Registry in the years 2001-2003.

Methods: The Italian ICD Registry--official member of the Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC)--collects 85% of the data concerning the national ICD implantation activity, based on the European Implantable Defibrillator form (EURID).