Use of the implantable cardioverter/defibrillator is the most significant advance in the management of patients with life botn threatening cardiac arrhythmias. This device represents an important practical as well as conceptual breakthrough in arrhythmia management. It places on firm footing use of non-pharmacologic tools for clinicians. The text, Implan table Cardioverter/Defibrillator, represents contributions by the leading clinicians in this field from both sides of the Atlantic and is a welcome addition to the library of clinical electrophysiologists as well as cardiac surgeons. The editors have well collated the critical issues related to current use of device therapy in a meaningful and practical fashion. The text amply reminds us that we are in the early growth phases of a technology that promises to completely change our approach to the cure of patients with actual or potentially life-threatening ventricular dysrhythmias. It also reminds us that Dr. Mirwoski's dream continues to live and remains as a perpetual challenge to clinicians and engineers alike to bet ter perfect and utilize device therapy for our patients. I com mend the authors and editors for a superb and timely effort. San Francisco, CA, USA Melvin M. Scheinman, M. D. Preface 1teatment of patients with ventricular tachycardia and pre vention of sudden arrhythmic death is one of the most challenging tasks of modem cardiology. 'len years ago anti arrhythmic drug therapy was the medical tool used most fre quently in the management of patients with life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
