Implantation of the automatic defibrillator: the subxiphoid approach.

The automatic implantable defibrillator is an electronic device capable of diagnosing and correcting malignant venticular arrhythmias. While major thoracic surgery was required in the original 24 implants, a new technique for implanting the device has been developed. The first subxiphoid implantations have been accomplished with the defibrillatory function successfully tested intraoperatively. The advantages and indications of the subxiphoid technique are reviewed.