[SCD-FORUM] EXPERTS ASK, EXPERTS ANSWER

[SCD Symposium]

Dr. Jose Luis Merino from Spain asks

- How do you envision the future treatment/prevention of sudden  
death: drugs, catheter ablation or devices? If you see a major role  
for the devices,
what kind of device do you think will be used for sudden death  
primary prevention i.e.: simple device only able to deliver few  
electrical high energy
shocks, subcutaneous device without endocardial-epicardial leads,  
single-dual-triple chamber device, etc).


Dr. Andrew Epstein from U.S.A. answers

- Unfortunately, the future cannot be predicted.  We are in need for  
new drugs, but the market is focused on devices.  The new drugs  
coming out will be for atrial fibrillation--the ventricles are not of  
interest to the pharmaceutical industry.  Ablation will play a minor  
role in SD prevention, likely for idiopathic VF and to decrease  
frequent ICD therapy.  Finally, a "simple" device woud be nice, but  
that has not been the way the market has been driven, and I don't see  
it happening.
Recall the failure of Intermedics and the Biotronik Airbag in this  
regard.  A subcutaneous ICD will be of interest, but clinical trial  
results are awaited, and we'll have to see how physicians react.


--
Dr. Sergio Dubner
President of Scientific Committee

Dr. Edgardo Schapachnik
President of Steering Committee




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