Preliminary experience with the implantable transvenous cardioverter.

A synchronized shock of less than or equal to 2.0 joules delivered over a specially designed catheter electrode passed to the apex of the right ventricle effectively terminates sustained ventricular tachycardia in dogs and in patients. The capability has been engineered into a 95 gram device implanted using lidocaine anesthesia, which is also capable of VVI pacing and of performing programmed electrophysiologic studies. Seven patients have received the implant and the initial experience is described.