Defibrillation testing during implantation of cardioverter–defibrillators is controversial because of potential safety concerns and a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of the procedure. New data from the SAFE-ICD study is helpful, but does not completely resolve the issue.
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Michael R. Gold is or has been a consultant for, a member of the speakers' bureau of, and received grant or research support from, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Sorin Group, and St. Jude Medical. J. Lacy Sturdivant declares no competing interests.
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Sturdivant, J., Gold, M. Is defibrillation testing of ICDs necessary?. Nat Rev Cardiol 9, 618–619 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2012.144
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2012.144
