The incidence and impact of implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks in the last phase of life: An integrated review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although the implantable cardioverter defibrillator is successful in terminating life threatening arrhythmias, it might give unwanted shocks in the last phase of life if not deactivated in a timely manner.

Aims

This integrated review aimed to provide an overview of studies reporting on implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock incidence and impact in the last phase of life.

Methods and results

We systematically searched five electronic databases. Studies reporting on the incidence and/or impact of implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks in the last month of life were included. Fifteen studies were included. Two American studies published in 1996 and 1998 reported on the incidence of shocks in patients who died non-suddenly: incidences were 24% and

SUBMITTER: Stoevelaar R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6071218 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature