Implantation Trends and Patient Profiles for Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in the United States: 1993-2006

Abstract

The replacement burden for PMs has remained constant, while the replacement burden for ICDs has decreased. This is likely due to the stability of the patient population receiving PMs and technology maturity. Alternatively, the indications for ICD implantation have broadened, resulting in an increased number of primary ICD implantations. The age and comorbidities are increasing in those patients receiving ICDs while the PM population is stable. These data suggest that monitoring of replacement burden is warranted, given the changing populations, their disparate clinical outcomes, and economic implications to the health care system.