Indications for Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Placement in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and after Myocardial Infarction

Dramatic reductions in the rate of sudden cardiac death due to use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have been well-established in several large randomized clinical trials including patients with left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction. This article reviews the literature regarding ICD utilization in the postinfarction population, with a strong emphasis on recent clinical trials. The most current indications for, and timing of, ICD implantation postinfarction also are summarized.