The automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator as a therapeutic modality for recurrent ventricular tachycardia: a case study.

Recurrent ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation is a life threatening occurrence for patients who have a history of sudden cardiac death, coronary heart disease, or cardiac dysfunction due to a variety of causes. Historically, anti-arrhythmic drug therapy has been the main therapeutic modality used to treat life threatening ventricular arrhythmias. However, some patients are refractory to these medications and suffer disturbing adverse reactions. During the last decade the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) has been used to convert ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and limit the amount of medication needed to control their occurrence. This article presents a description of the AICD device followed by a case study which includes nursing diagnoses and interventions.