I: Historical Evolution of the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.- Historical Evolution of the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in the Treatment of Malignant Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias.- II: Identification of the Patient at High Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death.- The Role of Ambulatory ECG Monitoring in the Prediction of Sudden Cardiac Death.- Identification of the Patient at High Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death: The Value of Ventricular Late Potentials.- Identification of the Patient at High Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death: The Value of Electrophysiological Studies.- III: Technical and Electrophysiological Aspects of the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.- Implantable Device Algorithms for Detection and Discrimination of Tachyarrhythmia.- Does Defibrillation Obey the Fundamental Law of Electrostimulation?.- Optimal Waveform Morphology for Defibrillation.- Prerequisites for the Safety and Efficacy of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.- The Role of Leads and Electrodes.- IV: The Role of the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in the Treatment of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia.- Long-Term Clinical Results with the Implantable Defibrillator.- Clinical Results with the Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator.- Combining Drugs with the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Clinical Implications.- Antitachycardia Pacing, Cardioversion, and Defibrillation: From the Past to the Future.- Treatment Algorithm for Patients with Life-Threatening Ventricular Tachyarrhytmia.- V: Surgical Aspects of Defibrillation Treatment.- Defibrillator Leads: Optimizing of Configuration, Placement, and Energy Delivery.- Surgical Techniques of Defibrillator Implantation.- Complications Associated with the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.- Safety Margin for Defibrillation.- VI: Living with the Implantable Defibrillator.- Management and Follow-up of the Implantable Defibrillator Patient.- The Social and Economic Impact of the New Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Technology.- Outlook.
